The Gem & Mineral Council - Upcoming Events


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2008 EVENTS
All events are tentative until event notices are sent.

January 24 (evening) -- LECTURE: Madagascar, Island of Gems
Speaker: Charles I. Carmona
As a consultant to the World Bank, Charlie has visited Madagascar three times recently to help establish the Institut de Gemmologie de Madagascar within the Ministry of Mines. In the process, he has gotten to know Madagascar quite well - especially its gems, gem deposits and gem industry. In this illustrated program, Charlie will give us fascinating insights into this fascinating country and prepare us for the tour he will be leading later in the year.

March 6 (evening) -- LECTURE: Journey to the Source - Paraiba-type Tourmaline from Mozambique
Speaker: Brendan Laurs
Gems & Gemology Editor Brendan Laurs will brief us on his recent expedition to the Paraiba-type tourmaline deposit in Mozambique.

April 26 -- FIELD TRIP: Exploring the San Andreas Fault
Leader: Dr. Bruce A. Carter

Dr. Bruce Carter, Professor Emeritus at Pasadena City College, will give us a close up and personal look at the San Andreas Fault on this bus tour along the northern edge of the San Gabriel Mountains from Palmdale and Wrightwood.

May 3 (afternoon) -- ANNUAL MEETING: The Great Jewelry Houses of the World
Speaker: Charles I. Carmona; Hosts: Isadore and Mary Ann Chait (The Chait Gallery)
Come and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and friends at our 2008 Annual Meeting. Charlie’s presentation will trace the interconnected histories of the great jewelry houses of the world that have branches on or near Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. He’ll examine the origins of styles from the 19th century in America and Europe, through the beginnings of the Hollywood era and right up to the present day.

June 12 (evening) -- LECTURE: Namibia - Mines, Minerals and More
Speaker: Dr. Anthony R. Kampf
Tony will give us a recap of last year's tour to Namibia, including a fascinating look at the country's minerals, geology, scenery and animals. After the Council tour, Tony had a unique opportunity to visit the diamond mines in the south of Namibia and he will share seldom-seen views of this, one of the world's most dramatic (and tightly controlled) mining areas..

August 13 (evening) -- LECTURE: The Gems of Afghanistan
Speaker: Bonita Chamberlin

August 29 to September 12 -- FIELD TRIP: Madagascar, Island of Gems
Leader: Charles Carmona
Sapphires, tourmalines and lemurs - Oh my!

October (date to be announced) -- FIELD TRIP: To be announced
Leader: To be announced

November (date to be announced) -- LECTURE: To be announced
Speaker: To be announced

December 7 (morning/afternoon) -- OPEN HOUSE & SALE: Jewel Tunnel Imports
Host: Rock Currier

Rock Currier, owner/proprietor of Jewel Tunnel Imports, has again agreed to open his immense Baldwin Park warehouse to Gem & Mineral Council members for a very special open house. What makes this warehouse so special is its contents – an amazing variety and quantity of rocks, minerals, lapidary, jewelry – all at true wholesale prices. (Jewel Tunnel Imports does not sell to the public.) Refreshments will be served throughout the day to keep you going as you search Rock's seemingly endless shelves full of rare and common treasures. Whatever you’re looking for, you won't be disappointed.

For information contact Council Coordinator Jean Brandt.