Learn About Gemstones and Make Jewelry in Huntsville, Alabama

Know your stones? When I attended a meeting of the Huntsville Gem and Mineral Society, I learned when buying a $3 synthetic ruby is the smart thing to do, and why. I also learned what part of Alabama contains most of the natural gemstones and minerals to be found in this state. Society events include meetings; field trips; gem, jewelry and mineral shows; and social dinners.

Meetings

Society meetings always open with an educational presentation by an experienced member. Professional jewelers, serious rock hounds, lapidary experts; all facets of gem knowledge is represented in this fun and friendly group of enthusiasts. Pun intended!

The meetings close with visitor introductions and instructions to hit the buffet. Members rotate responsibility for bringing covered dishes and the tables fairly groan from the weight of homemade goodies. Then it's social time. Everyone mingles, making sure visitors feel welcome. The old timers mix facts with humor and bits of wisdom with tall tales in entertaining their guests and new members, while answering their questions.

Field Trips

Field trips are scheduled with all permissions gained and requirements communicated prior to the event. Do you know the various laws regarding gem and mineral finds on private, public and federal properties? Members of the Huntsville Gem and Mineral Society do, and they arrange rock hunts that are safe and legal.

Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Shows

While the society sponsors a couple of gem, jewelry and mineral shows throughout the year, and helps other societies with theirs, the October event held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville is the granddaddy of them all. 2009 represents the 41st annual show. Sights and experiences to be had at this event include member displays of locally gathered treasures; vendor displays of jewelry, gems and lapidary supplies; lapidary demonstrations; a mining flume for visitors to try their hands at panning in; and a children's gem dig. Society volunteers run the whole show and, while tiring, everyone reports having a great time each year.

Social Dinners

Two social dinners are planned annually: a picnic in the summer that includes a member rock swap and a catered dinner in the winter holiday season. Members share displays of their recent finds while enjoying a meal and enjoying like minded company.

Lapidary and Silver Jewelry Making Classes

The Huntsville Gem and Mineral Society provides classes in lapidary and silver jewelry making. They are taught on an on-going basis, in fully equipped work rooms, by certified members of the society. Once member students graduate, they may use the facilities during open hours not scheduled for class.

The HGMS meets at 6:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month, except for the annual picnic/rock swap and holidays, at the Senior Center located at 2200 Drake Avenue in Huntsville, AL. More information and contact information for all officers may be found on the Huntsville Gem and Mineral Society website.

sources: HGMS Website, Mike Soraczak, Director