If you're into gems, minerals, or even jewellery-making, the Montreal Gem & Mineral Club is where it's all happening!
The History
Founded back in 1957 and incorporated in 1964, this non-profit has been the hub for jewellers, lapidary enthusiasts, rockhounds, and collectors alike. It’s a community built on shared interests, where newcomers and experts come together to dive into their passion for everything that sparkles (and rocks—literally!). Whether you're looking to get your hands dirty with field trips, sharpen your craft, or simply learn more about gemstones and minerals, this club has something for you.
The Place
One of the coolest features of the club is its workshop/clubhouse. It’s not just a hangout spot; it's where the magic happens! Members get to practice stone-cutting and lapidary work, and there's also a dedicated space for jewellery making. Safety first, always, but creativity runs wild in these spaces. It’s the perfect place to hone your skills, whether you're slicing through raw stones or designing your next jewellery masterpiece. Plus, the workshop offers courses from time to time, with experienced members more than happy to share their knowledge and guide you along the way.
The Experience
For those who prefer to go on an adventure, the club also organizes rock hounding field trips during the summer. Imagine exploring the outdoors while collecting unique stones—what could be better? Beyond the workshops and field trips, the club is a vibrant social space. Members don’t just connect over their love for gems and minerals, but also through events like wine and cheese nights and Christmas parties. It’s a welcoming community where friendships are formed, and everyone can enjoy their hobby in a relaxed, fun environment. And don’t forget the library! Packed with reference books and back issues of Geminews, it’s the perfect spot to geek out over the latest mineral & gemstone discoveries.
The Show
Every year, the club hosts its Montreal, Quebec based much-anticipated Gem & Mineral Show, attracting dealers from across Canada and even beyond. It's the ultimate fall event where collectors, hobbyists, and curious minds come together to marvel at rare finds, learn something new, and maybe even snag a treasure or two!
The Montreal Gem and Mineral Show, organized by the Montreal Gem and Mineral Club, has a rich history dating back to 1962. The show quickly established itself as a premier event for gem enthusiasts, showcasing a wide variety of semi-precious stones, minerals, fossils, and related crafts. In its early years, it was relatively small, but it has expanded significantly, now featuring over 50 exhibitors and drawing thousands of visitors annually. After several successful runs at different locations, including Place Bonaventure and l'Hippodrome de Montréal (Blue Bonnets Race Track), The Montreal Gem & Mineral Show returned to the Palais des congrès, where it remains today.
The upcoming 63rd edition of the show is scheduled for October 18-20, 2024, and you can find me vending at booth J02 to check out my jewellery in person and say hi!
My Journey
As a passionate member of the Montreal Gem and Mineral Club since 2001, I’ve loved every moment of being part of this vibrant community. Selling at the show since 2003 has given me a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share my love for gems and minerals & jewellery making.
I also take pride in being a workshop supervisor on Wednesday evenings, where I help newcomers get started and provide guidance to budding jewellers in the studio. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their skills grow and to foster a spirit of collaboration and learning among members.
Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to explore at the Montreal Gem & Mineral Club! If you’re looking to dive into the fascinating world of gems and minerals, whether as a collector or a craftsperson, the Montreal Gem & Mineral Show is the perfect place to start!
Thanks for reading,
