Gems don’t grow on trees but, using wires and natural stones, Jacqueline Swain creates artistic designs she calls “gem trees.” Swain will be a vendor at the Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society’s Annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary, and Fossil Show Oct. 22-24, selling her gem trees, jewelry and other hand-crafted works.
Jacqueline Swain
Jacqueline Swain has a selection of gem trees that vary in size and gem type. She will have gem trees at her booth this weekend.Vendors will have different kinds of booths and displays. There are vendors selling gemstones, fossils, minerals, jewelry and more. Additionally, demonstrators give presentations about their work, showing attendees different aspects of rocks and minerals and how they can be used.
Swain said she is always interested to see what people like from year to year and how tastes differ.
Kate Townley
Geological objects have different categories and are used in different ways. Learn more about the difference between gems, fossils, minerals, and lapidary work.The show is run by the Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society. Club president and show display chairman Nathan Krupp said there is a lot of variety in the people who attend the show. Amateur geologists, rock collectors and mineral enthusiasts come to share their passion with others.
“The show attracts anyone with the interest,” said Krupp. “Everyone is welcome.”
Another popular demographic at the annual show is schoolchildren. Roger Laylin, former show chairman, said he enjoyed getting kids excited about geology. Teaching them about geology is a big part of the show.
“We are fostering that interest,” Laylin said.
Different demonstrators show different rock shaping, splitting, polishing and so much more. 
An example of some of the specimen displayed at a previous show. 
Jacqueline Swain’s booth includes dozens of handmade gem trees, jewelry and other stone work. 
The educational aspect of the show is huge. Kids come to look at rocks and develop their interest in geology. 
This is an example of a display from a previous show. 
An example of some of the specimen displayed at a previous show.
The Ingham County fairgrounds will be hosting the Gem, Mineral, Lapidary, and Fossil Show Oct. 22-24. On Friday, the hours are 1-7 p.m., on the Saturday, the hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on the Sunday, the show will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Adult tickets are $5, tickets for kids ages 13-17 are $3 and any child 12 and under gets free admission when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free and face masks are required indoors.
Laylin said that a portion of the proceeds from the show go toward giving scholarships for students studying geology.
