Aussie Sapphire

Seems like we’re getting busier and busier but am scrounging a few minutes to dash off a quick update for Aussie Sapphire:

A)  The big event of the year for us is Minerama – our annual gem show at Glen Innes.  Always a good one and this year will be no exception.  Check out the Minerama website or chat about it on ALF where you can arrange to catch up with fellow ALF’ers or ask for advice if you intend travelling this way.

B)  Of course on the world stage, the biggest gem show of them all is Tucson.  Not everyone can make the trip to Tucson so check out this blog for a virtual taste of this event:  http://tucsongemshow.blogspot.com/

C)  We’ve just done a big re-organisation of the website with categories and products moving around quite a bit in an attempt to make it all a bit more logical and easy to navigate.  Still a bit of minor tweaking to go but we’re hoping this will make the site a lot easier to use.

D)  Got some great new products online – we encourage you to take a good look through everything.  For jewellers and silver/goldsmiths, we’ve got a new category specially for cleaning and polishing which has everything you need in this area from Ultrasonic Cleaners, Tumblers, Polishing Cloths and Jewellery Dips as well as our usual range of buffing supplies (including Dialux in White, Red, Blue and Green).

E)  Our range of loupes has increased even more with one to suit every possible job.  We’ve just had lanyards made for us so all hand loupes now come with an Aussie Sapphire lanyard to make them even more convenient.  Of course, our lanyards are suitable for lots of other jobs so you can also buy them separately.  Lanyards are 2cm wide for comfortable wear and feature a swivel lever metal clip for attaching to a range of items.

Cheers for now from Aussie Sapphire
and remember, if you want to stay in touch with what is happening in the Aussie Lapidary world, just  ask ALF – the friendliest forum around for anyone interested in rocks and gems.

One of the most important features of Minerama is the programme of field trips.  Fossickers can visit a range of locations in the company of an experienced guide to look for a range of gems.  Heaps of fun and very affordable. 

There are field trips to suit all types of fossickers – from the complete beginner to the utterly obsessed.  See the Minerama website for more information on the program or just call in to the Minerama information desk for some guidance.

Click “Continue Reading” below to see some options for each day from Thursday 6th March to Monday 10th March 2008.

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Just eight weeks to go until Minerama – the Gem and Fossicking Show at Glen Innes. This one is always very popular so get planning for a trip to the New England for hands-on fossicking and heaps of gem show bargains.

You can find more information at the Minerama Website.  The committee is still working out fine details on the field trip program but I expect the trips will be similar to last year.  Hoping to include Tingha Sands this time for the quartz crystal collectors (yet to be confirmed); The Auzex Kingsgate tour will run again with kind cooperation from Auzex Resources (a sapphire level sponsor of Minerama); Reddestone Creek at the same location as last year; Yarrow Creek locations are yet to be confirmed.  Please check the website through February for more information on the field trip program.

Dont forget that this year, scenic flights over the mining areas of Glen Innes and Emmaville will be offered by Inverell Aviation. 

Book directly with the pilot by phoning (02) 6723 1344 – flights leave from Glen Innes airport (just west of Glen Innes on the Emmaville Road) on Friday and Saturday.

Also – lots of cash and BP fuel card prizes on offer by way of a raffle, lucky door prize and lucky field trip prize draws. 

Plenty of accommodation choices in Glen Innes from luxury B&B’s to camping in the great outdoors.  You are encouraged to consider the Minerama sponsors when choosing accommodation or services in appreciation for their support.

Of course, Aussie Sapphire will be attending Minerama as a trader.  We have a great selection of products on offer – from the finest gems to gem/lapidary tools and supplies.  We have a number of new and used faceting machines/accessories in stock right now so if you are looking to upgrade or get started in the hobby, look out for the Aussie Sapphire stall inside the Services Club auditorium.

cheers for now from Andrew and Leah (Aussie Sapphire)