Gem Capers 2026
October 23 – 25 / Palmer Events Center
In 2026, the Austin Gem & Mineral Society (AGMS) celebrates its 75th Gem Capers show by turning its focus to the American Southwest with Four Corners, a theme honoring the shared geology of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Where these four states meet lies a remarkable concentration of landscapes, minerals, and geologic history shaped over millions of years. Four Corners invites attendees to explore the gems, minerals, and stories that connect this iconic region.
General Meeting 4th Thursday each month
The general public is invited to visit AGMS General Meetings in person or on ZOOM. Meetings are held at our clubhouse at 6719 Burnet Lane, Austin beginning at 7:pm on the 4th Thursday of each month. If you have a question regarding an upcoming meeting, click here.
Our monthly meetings are available via Zoom video conferencing. All are welcome to attend our meetings.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 846 9807 8278
Passcode: 4XpHpR
NOTICE: Currently, we meet in-person with mask wearing as a personal option. We will continue to offer Zoom video conferencing to members and guests.
Upcoming Classes
24
Jan
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
Basics on using machines in workshop safely and how to form cabochon stones.
31
Jan
AGMS 405: Silver Jump-Ring Bracelet
AGMS 405: Silver Jump-Ring Bracelet
Intro to Soldering: The Heavy-Gauge Jump Ring Bracelet Demystify the Torch and Build Your Own Jewelry Ready to turn raw wire into a stunning piece of wearable art? Join us at the AGMS shop to master the absolute foundations of silversmithing. In this beginner-friendl...
14
Feb
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
Basics on using machines in workshop safely and how to form cabochon stones.
21
Feb
AGMS 401: Introduction to Silversmithing
AGMS 401: Introduction to Silversmithing
Introduction to working with silver including cutting, soldering, and forming. Students will make 2 projects – rings and earrings.
28
Feb
AGMS 201: Introduction to Slab and Trim Using Saws to Cut Stones
AGMS 201: Introduction to Slab and Trim Using Saws to Cut Stones
Basics on using slab and trim saws. This is a basic introduction. Students will receive 1 year of hands-on instruction and guidance from AGMS experts at no additional charge.
14
Mar
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
Basics on using machines in workshop safely and how to form cabochon stones.
21
Mar
AGMS 401: Introduction to Silversmithing
AGMS 401: Introduction to Silversmithing
Introduction to working with silver including cutting, soldering, and forming. Students will make 2 projects – rings and earrings.
28
Mar
AGMS 501: Introduction to Wire Wrapping
AGMS 501: Introduction to Wire Wrapping
Introduction to making wire-wrapped jewelry
AGMS on Facebook
2
Austin Gem and Mineral Society
Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of the month at 6719 Burnet Lane, Austin Texas.@ 7p.m.
Our January 24th Introduction to Cabbing class is officially SOLD OUT! 🚫💎
If you missed out, don't worry—we just opened up seats for our next session on Saturday, February 14th! Give yourself (or a date!) the gift of a new skill this Valentine’s Day. 🛠️❤️
These spots won't last long. Secure your seat at the grinding wheels before they're gone again!
👉 Register here: www.agms-tx.org/events/
#AGMS #Cabbing #LapidaryArts #SoldOut #AustinRockhounds #LearnSomethingNew
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🔨 BEAT THE MID-WEEK SLUMP AT THE SHOP! 🔨
Is that "to-do" pile of rough stones staring you down? Don't wait for the weekend to find your flow!
Join us for Member Open Workshop this Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. There is no better way to recharge than the sound of the wheels and the sight of a fresh polish. ✨
Why come out this Wednesday?
Mid-Week Zen: Trading the computer screen for the grinding wheel is the ultimate stress reliever. 🧘♂️
Get Unstuck: Stuck on a tricky facet or a stubborn scratch? There’s always a friendly face nearby to swap tips with.
Make Progress: Two hours of focused shop time goes a long way toward finishing that piece you’ve been dreaming of.
📍 WHERE: AGMS Headquarters ⏰ WHEN: Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 👥 WHO: AGMS Members
POLL TIME: What’s your "Wednesday Vibe"? Are you... 1️⃣ Polishing a favorite cabochon? 💎 2️⃣ Slabing something brand new? 🪚 3️⃣ Just here for the good company and shop talk? ☕
#AGMS #AustinGemAndMineral #Lapidary #MemberNight #WednesdayVibes #Rockhounds #AustinArtists
🗓️ WHEN: Wednesday⏰ TIME: 6:00 - 8:00 PM 📍 WHERE: AGMS Shop / Meeting Room
Whether you are a seasoned pro or just getting your hands dusty for the first time, there is a seat (and a stone) waiting for you.
#AGMS #Lapidary #GemCutting #JewelryMaking #Rockhounds #HandsOnLearning
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✨ SHINING A LIGHT ON GEOLOGY AT FOREST CREEK ELEMENTARY! ✨
We had a blast last night bringing the world of rocks and minerals to the next generation of scientists! 💎⚒️
A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers—Cathy and Craig Brandt, Mateo Blumenthal, and Lorraine Guzzio Chammah — for representing AGMS at the Forest Creek Elementary event. We met so many enthusiastic kids and appreciative parents who were eager to learn about what we do.
The Highlight of the Night: When the lights are too bright, you get creative! Craig and Mateo set up an impromptu "dark room" using stools and tablecloths so the kids could experience the magic of fluorescent minerals. There’s nothing like seeing a rock "glow-in-the-dark" for the first time! 🔦🌈
We love sharing our passion for lapidary and mineral arts with the community. Seeing the kids' faces light up (literally!) is what it’s all about.
Help us thank our volunteers in the comments! 🙌
#AGMS #AustinGemAndMineral #CommunityOutreach #FutureGeologists #Rockhounds #ForestCreekElementary #STEMEducation
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AGMS Calendar
Board Meetings:
First Tuesday, 7:00 PM, Jan – Nov.
No meeting in Dec. Nov meeting is budget planning.
Club Meetings (Open to the Public):
4th Thursdays, 7:00 PM, Jan – Oct.
Open Workshop:
Every Wednesday, 6pm – 8:30pm.
3rd Saturday 10 am – 2 pm (times subject to change)
Min SIG:
2nd Tuesdays, 7-9 pm.
Lap SIG:
3rd Thursdays, 7-9pm.
Show Committee:
2nd Thursdays, 7-9pm.
Paleo Club
3rd Tuesdays, 7:00 PM.
Gem & Mineral News
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Congratulations to the 2026 Officers and Board Members
Officers: |
|
| President: | Jan Marie Ozias |
| VP1: | Michael Egger |
| VP2: | Mark Barber |
| Secretary: | Laura Dow |
| Treasurer: | James Mercier |
Directors: |
|
| Jeff Greinert | |
| Richard Dorsey | |
| Robert King | |
| Paul Rabago | |
| John Connors | |
| Carol Acurso | |
LEADS for Standing Committees & Special Interest Groups
| Auction (noisy) Aug 8 | Laird Fowler |
| Audit | Michele Burns |
| Building, grounds | VP1 Mike Egger |
| Building expansion options | John Connors |
| Bylaws, policy, OPs | Rob King |
| Community Relations | Doretta Conrad |
| Curator | Barbara Liebman |
| Education | John Connors |
| Facility Manager | Earnest Carter |
| Field trips | Ron Carman, Alan C, Westerman |
| Financial: planned giving; investments | John Connors |
| Historian | Vacant |
| Hospitality | Ginger Batson |
| Library | Laird Fowler |
| Membership | Raechel Moose |
| Stone Chipper Editor | Jeff Greinert |
| Nominating | (Aug appt) |
| Patron, Rockhound award | Gilbreath, Heimlich |
| Programs, events | VP2 Mark Barber |
| Scholarship | Robert King |
| SIG: Lapidary | Ron Patillo |
| SIG: Mineral | Laird Fowler |
| Show Comm Chair | Laird Fowler |
| Show Treasurer | Barbara Roeling |
| SCFMS/AFMS liaison | Ron Carman |
| Social Media (FB, web) | Paul Rabago |
| Webmaster | James Michener |
| Workshop | Gef Fisher |
| Workshop Support | Earnest Carter |
| Youth Activities | Lorraine Chammah |
The Austin Gem and Mineral Society welcomes you to join us!
Membership Benefits
- Connection and networking with other rock hounds, mineral collectors, geological experts, jewelry artists, gem and mineral professionals and experts, gem and mineral vendors, educators, and a plethora of rock related subject matter experts in a wide variety of gem and mineral related topics.
- General club meetings offer speakers and presentations on a wide variety of gem and mineral topics.
- Access to our website membership portal includes access to member blogs, member specific announcements, posts on member boards, SIG meetings/topics and online discussions (Special Interest Groups: Min Sig, Paleo SIG, Silversmithing SIG, Jewelry SIG, Lapidary Sig, Faceting SIG)
- Access to clubhouse resources includes: large meeting room, lapidary/cabbing workshop, faceting workshop, slab shack saws, extensive resource library, and display exhibits of gems and minerals
- Annual events and activities include: Gem Capers (annual gem and mineral show held at the Austin Palmer Event Center), Swap Meet, Club Auction, Holiday Party
- Classes: Cabbing, Faceting, Silversmithing, Slab Saw, other classes are offered as needs and instructors are identified
- Field trips and rock hunts for members only
Have a Question?
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Federation and Club Resources
Visit these other websites for related information on gems and minerals, activities, learning opportunities, and more.
Federation of Mineral Societies
The Austin Gem and Mineral Society is part of SCFMS (The South Central Federation of Mineral Societies). SCFMS is one of seven different regional federations in the US that are members of the AFMS (American Federation of Mineralogical Societies).
Please note that these links are third party websites that are not maintained by AGMS. AGMS is not responsible for materials found on these sites. Please use caution when visiting an unfamiliar site.