Opals, Gems, and Jurassic Discoveries: London Gem & Mineral Show Leaves Guests Awestruck

London, UK – 29th November 2024 This past weekend, the London Gem & Mineral Show dazzled audiences at Sandown Park Racecourse with a two-day celebration of geological marvels, scientific discovery, and international craftsmanship. On the 23rd and 24th November, a multitude of attendees experienced the fascinating world of minerals, gemstones, and fossils, making this year’s event a resounding success. Due to the huge recognition the show has received in the gemstones and minerals industry, the show will be featured on the Discovery Channel in the new year, highlighting the event's unique offerings, from rare geological specimens to the rich legacy of the opal trade.

Unveiling a Family Dream: The Art of Opal

A major draw this year was the appearance of Isaac Andreou, stars of Outback Opal Hunters on Discovery Channel and Quest TV, who shared his insider knowledge in opal identification, mining, and showcased some of their rarest and most exclusive opal pieces to the audiences. 

For the first time, pieces of The Art of Opal, held within the Andreou family for over six decades, were made available for sale. This exclusive collection captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering a rare opportunity to own part of this treasured legacy.

Highlights and Hands-On Experiences

With over 180 million years of history on display, the highlight for many was the WOW Rocks: Live Cracking Station. Visitors witnessed firsthand the excitement of splitting open ancient geodes, uncovering glittering crystals and Jurassic-period fossils. The live demonstrations brought geology to life, offering a rare glimpse into the wonders of fossil preservation and crystal formation.

For hands-on enthusiasts, the Demo Hub and Learning Lab proved to be crowd favourites. Attendees embraced the chance to create their own gemstone and silver masterpieces, while workshops like Luisa Hendry’s Identification of Rocks and Minerals gave budding geologists a chance to handle real specimens and refine their skills in mineral classification.

Adding to the show’s stellar lineup, keynote presentations in the WOW Talks series left attendees inspires, highlights included:

• Jolyon Ralph of Mindat.org, who delved into the expansive world of mineral databases.
• Sarah Caldwell Steele, whose talk Vampires, Mummies and that Old Black Magic: The Legacy of Whitby’s Jet, explored the fascinating history and science of the gemstone jet.
• Justin Prim revealed the precision and artistry behind gem cutting.
• GeologyVibes discussed the technological transformation of the Pakistani gem market.

Speaking at the Show, Alix Bramwell, Founder of the London Gem & Mineral Show said: “The London Gem & Mineral Show is all about inspiring curiosity and discovery. This year’s turnout and enthusiasm were truly overwhelming, with attendees of all ages connecting with the incredible stories locked within our planet's treasures. We’re proud to create a space where science, art, and education meet, and we’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even more extraordinary.” 

Record-breaking Growth and Global Reach

Reflecting its growing prestige, attendees and sellers flew in from around the world to attend the show, from as far as Australia, the U.S, Pakistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, France, and Germany. The show’s impact continues to expand, with the footfall on just one day matching the entire weekend’s total attendance at last year’s show, with overall attendance growing by an impressive 35% year-on-year.

A Commitment to Community and Conservation

Beyond celebrating the Earth’s treasures and the science behind them, the show also amplified its humanitarian mission. Partnering with Kimbilio Congo Children Trust, the event raised significant funds and awareness to support the rescue and rehabilitation of child miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“At the heart of the London Gem & Mineral Show is a commitment to making a positive impact, not just in education and science, but in the lives of those most in need. Our partnership with Kimbilio Congo Children Trust allows us to raise awareness about the dire conditions faced by child miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By supporting their efforts to provide safe housing, education, and opportunities, we’re helping to create a brighter future for these children. It’s a cause that resonates deeply with our community, and we’re proud to contribute to their incredible work,” said Bramwell at the show.

With a rich mix of workshops, expert talks, and hands-on activities, this year’s show has set the bar high, leaving attendees eager for next year’s edition. 

Follow the show’s official social media platform to see highlights from the show at @thegemandmineralshow. 

Ends

Editors notes

For press enquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Gazal Sharma, PR liaison at gazal@plus1comms.com

High-resolution images, event brochures, and other supplementary materials are available upon request. Please feel free to reach out for any specific information or interview requests with the event’s key talent, organisers, or partners.

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