This Saturday is your chance to see and even purchase a Vernon Parish treasure at the the DeRidder Gem and Mineral Show.
A major event for more than 22 years, the two-day show, set for Dec. 12 and 13, offers a unique opportunity for area residents to view incredible jewelry and artifact pieces, while also possibly finish up some last minute holiday shopping.
Award winning jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils, beads and lapidary art will be exhibited in this spectacular show that brings out the wonders of the world, old and new. In addition to jewels, ancient and native American artifacts will be offered to awe the discriminating collector.
One anticipated feature at this year's show will be the Louisiana Opal, a native gemstone that offers the rainbow's full spectrum in flashes as it is tilted by its holder. The gem was mined in Vernon Parish, 10 feet below the surface near the Fleming Formation, but the mine has since been closed. All that was mined is all there is.
In the book, "Louisiana Opal", Leesville resident Gary Moore recounts the story of his experiences with the gem during its first few years of discovery. According to Moore, as more local residents discovered the single opal mine, a New Orleans man by the name of Ben Stevens helped to achieve a lease on the property in the early 1970s and it was mined extensively for three years. After that, Boise Cascade posted the area and all mining was ended.
The presence of this gem at the show will provide enthusiastic collectors the chance to add a rare gem to their collection and possibly and investment opportunity.
Located in the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds exhibit hall located adjacent to Highway 171 North in DeRidder, the event will offer over 10,000 square feet of vendors from across the country who will be present to show off their finest specimens.
For the novice treasure hunters out there who are wondering what their inherited jewelry is worth, they may bring the pieces for an evaluation. The same can be done with unidentified earth science specimens.
The event will be family friendly, and children who pay a visit to the show may select a geode that will be sliced for them. The geode will reveal beautiful quartz and amethyst crystals that will be well worth the wait for the inquisitive minds. Children may also find intrigue in the flint snapping demonstrations that will be held during the event.
Doors will open on Saturday from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Door prizes will be awarded throughout both days and silent auctions will be held for mineral specimens, uncut rocks and jewelry from around the U.S. Sunday will feature a special drawing for the grand prize at 3 p.m.
Admission is $2 per adult with children 12 years old and under allowed in free with a paying adult. Concessions will be available and parking is free.
In appreciation for military, persons with military picture ID will be admitted for free on Sunday.
Anyone who would like more information on the show may call 463-9567 or visit the website www.lutheransonline.com/gems.
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This Saturday is your chance to see and even purchase a Vernon Parish treasure at the the DeRidder Gem and Mineral Show.
A major event for more than 22 years, the two-day show, set for Dec. 12 and 13, offers a unique opportunity for area residents to view incredible jewelry and artifact pieces, while also possibly finish up some last minute holiday shopping.
Award winning jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils, beads and lapidary art will be exhibited in this spectacular show that brings out the wonders of the world, old and new. In addition to jewels, ancient and native American artifacts will be offered to awe the discriminating collector.
One anticipated feature at this year's show will be the Louisiana Opal, a native gemstone that offers the rainbow's full spectrum in flashes as it is tilted by its holder. The gem was mined in Vernon Parish, 10 feet below the surface near the Fleming Formation, but the mine has since been closed. All that was mined is all there is.
In the book, "Louisiana Opal", Leesville resident Gary Moore recounts the story of his experiences with the gem during its first few years of discovery. According to Moore, as more local residents discovered the single opal mine, a New Orleans man by the name of Ben Stevens helped to achieve a lease on the property in the early 1970s and it was mined extensively for three years. After that, Boise Cascade posted the area and all mining was ended.
The presence of this gem at the show will provide enthusiastic collectors the chance to add a rare gem to their collection and possibly and investment opportunity.
Located in the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds exhibit hall located adjacent to Highway 171 North in DeRidder, the event will offer over 10,000 square feet of vendors from across the country who will be present to show off their finest specimens.
For the novice treasure hunters out there who are wondering what their inherited jewelry is worth, they may bring the pieces for an evaluation. The same can be done with unidentified earth science specimens.
The event will be family friendly, and children who pay a visit to the show may select a geode that will be sliced for them. The geode will reveal beautiful quartz and amethyst crystals that will be well worth the wait for the inquisitive minds. Children may also find intrigue in the flint snapping demonstrations that will be held during the event.
Doors will open on Saturday from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Door prizes will be awarded throughout both days and silent auctions will be held for mineral specimens, uncut rocks and jewelry from around the U.S. Sunday will feature a special drawing for the grand prize at 3 p.m.
Admission is $2 per adult with children 12 years old and under allowed in free with a paying adult. Concessions will be available and parking is free.
In appreciation for military, persons with military picture ID will be admitted for free on Sunday.
Anyone who would like more information on the show may call 463-9567 or visit the website www.lutheransonline.com/gems.
