The Brantford Lapidary and Mineral Society kicked off its 49th annual Paris Gem and Mineral Show at the Paris Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
A large crowd of mineral enthusiasts and collectors took their time exploring the 40 vendors selling thousands of gems, minerals, crystals and fossils, as well as a variety of books and jewelry supplies.
“We have local vendors, we have some coming from the States, Quebec, Kingston – they really come from all over,” said Kim Cruickshank, the show’s Chair. “This is the first show of the year so we kind of start things off and people are excited to get out, explore, sell and buy.”
Vendors answered questions and showed off their wares, educating visitors where they could and often discussing the appeal of gems and minerals alike.
“These shows are unique because it’s all natural, and its specimens that come from the earth and so none of it will disappear – the rocks will be here forever and you can pass them on from generation to generation,” said Mark Arndt of the Mossy Rock Studio in Paris. “I think people are really attracted to that idea, as well as the metaphysical properties of specimens – different stones do different things for certain people.”
Visitors got a chance to weave their way through the Special Events room and the Exhibition Centre as they browsed the displays of rare and unusual specimens, including fluorescent minerals and intricate crystal formations. The event also featured demonstrations of lapidary techniques, such as cutting and polishing stones.
The family-friendly event even featured a kid’s section for younger visitors to dip their hands in the world of gems, stones, fossils and more.
While many collectors and enthusiasts came from the local area, many traveled for a chance to learn more about the world of minerals and to add to their own collections.
Glenda Fenlon from Delaware, Ontario, discovered the show in 2022 and knew she had to come this year.
“I came last year and I had to come back – it’s all just so beautiful,” she said. “I love this place because I really like to come for the day and take several laps, then I look stuff up and find the things that will help me give me energy and foster my art. It’s something I do for myself and it’s very inspiring for me personally.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
