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
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
28
Mar
AGMS 403: Forged Silver Cuff Bracelet
AGMS 403: Forged Silver Cuff Bracelet
Forging silver using basic bench tools to form a Cuff Bracelet
29
Mar
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
AGMS 101: Introduction to Cabbing
Basics on using machines in workshop safely and how to form cabochon stones.
AGMS on Facebook
2
Austin Gem and Mineral Society
"Each One, Teach One." Est. 1950. AGMS is a nonprofit dedicated to geology & lapidary arts. We offer classes, field trips & an annual show for all ages. Meetings: 4th Thurs, 7pm @ 6719 Burnet Ln, Austin.
top guessing. Start Slicing! 🪚✨
We’re hosting a Slab Saw Workshop on February 28th! Learn the "ins and outs" of slab sawing from local experts Richard Dorsey and Paul Rabago.
From choosing the right stone to mechanical maintenance, this workshop covers everything you need to know to slab like a professional.
📍 Where: AGMS Headquarters
🗓️ When: Feb 28th
👥 Instructors: Richard Dorsey & Paul Rabago
WARNING: We are keeping this class small for hands-on learning. Once spots are gone, they’re gone!
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Mark your calendars, rockhounds! 💎⛏️
The AGMS Lapidary Swap & Sale is happening Saturday, April 11th at our clubhouse! Whether you're looking for that one-of-a-kind specimen to complete your collection or raw material for your next project, this is the place to be.
Come browse a massive variety of:
Rough stones and slabs
Hand-crafted cabochons
Faceted gems and minerals
Unique stone artwork and jewelry
When: April 11th | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Where: AGMS Headquarters (6719 Burnet Lane)
All are welcome. Support your local makers and find something truly Earth-made. 🌍✨
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Ready to turn raw silver into wearable art? ⚒️✨
We are thrilled to announce an Introduction to Silversmithing workshop at AGMS Headquarters, led by the incredibly talented John Connors! Whether you’ve never picked up a torch or you’re looking to refine your basics, this is the perfect place to start your jewelry-making journey.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn:
The essentials of sawing, filing, and sanding.
The magic of soldering (it’s easier than it looks!).
Register here:
How to achieve that professional, high-shine finish.
Where: AGMS Headquarters Instructor: John Conners
Spaces are limited! Register on the AGMS website: www.agms-tx.org/
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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) | 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.