
Campbelltown & Districts Lapidary Club Inc.
Learn and practice the art of working with gemstones, minerals, crystals and fossils and enjoy a relaxing and rewarding hobby with likeminded people.
Open: Fri 5pm to 9pm, Wed & Sat 9am to 1pm
(Hours may change during holiday periods)
CURRENT EVENTS TO DIARISE

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July our 45th annual exhibition
Our famous Annual Exhibition at Ingleburn Community Centre is an unmissable two-day event showcasing gemstones, minerals, crystals, fossils and jewellery from all over the world.
WHAT WE OFFER

GEMSTONES
Discover the satisfaction of turning a piece of unremarkable stone into a showpiece for jewellery or display. We have all the facilities to cut, shape and polish any gemstone from Aussie opals and Queensland agates to nearly every common or extravagant gemstone from all corners of the world. It can be equally exciting to glamourise a river pebble from your garden, a piece of petrified wood or a rare gem from a far-flung hidden mine. No previous knowledge or skills are needed – our duty officers will mentor you all the way.

FACETING
If you’re not sure what faceting is, just look at the centre stone of any engagement ring. You’ll learn the art using ordinary glass nuggets provided by the club and have quite a thrill as you transform those scraps into a glittering stone fit for a princess. Once you’ve got the knack of it, you’ll raise the bar and can dazzle your family and friends with anything from peridot, aquamarine, amethyst, emeralds, rubies and more. It’s relaxing, rewarding and a fabulous activity for all ages.

EVENTS
We host a two-day gemstone, jewellery, crystal, mineral and fossil exhibition at Ingleburn every July and it is a not-to-be-missed occasion for members and the community in general. Every room of the community centre is filled with offerings from professional gemstone and related dealers from NSW and beyond. Members finished works are displayed, some for sale, and if you’ve not visited a gem show before it can be jaw dropping and enlightening.
We also hold a Market Day twice a year at our clubrooms with members stalls and lapidary related guest stalls. Entry is free and visitors can browse the stalls at their leisure and enjoy home-made refreshments on our patio.

WORKSHOPS
In-house jewellery making half day workshops are held periodically, usually every two months and sometimes more often. We have two accredited and experienced teacher members that tutor the regular workshops and all equipment and tools are provided. There are also occasional workshops with visiting tutors and we are allied with a local artisan jeweller who teaches silversmithing at their local studio. Some of our most regular workshops include wire wrapping and a variety of mixed media styles using your gemstones to make jewellery with minimal skills and tools.

CRYSTALS AND FOSSILS
There’s a special thrill sawing through a nondescript and boring greyish rock ball (geode or thunder egg), to discover what’s hidden inside – you never know what you’ll find until you’ve done that vital cut. It could be a nest of sparkling crystal, colourful agate or a fossil - half the fun is the discovery. You can also purchase ‘raw’ crystal chunks, unworked fossils and cut crystals and fossils and use the club facilities to modify the shape or texture as you prefer. If your interest is the metaphysical aspects of crystals, you’ll love working with them to form the shape you want for wearing, meditation or display.

BEADWORK
We have a core group of enthusiastic beadworkers that meet at most of our Wednesday sessions and string together arty beading creations from tiny pin-head sized beads to bulky gemstone beads. Everyone works on their own projects but share ideas and often mentor each other on mutual projects. The club has quite a selection of beads you can use to get started on your projects and the beading ladies will be more than happy to direct you to suppliers as needed.

ABOUT OUR CLUB
Formed in February 1966, we are a not-for-profit community organisation in Sydney’s South-West for those who enjoy gemstones, minerals, crystals and jewellery and like to share their interests with others in a relaxed environment.
Our dedicated clubrooms are fully equipped with the machinery, tools and facilities for all aspects of the art of gemstone cutting and polishing.
The Club is run for and by its Members and we have a Duty Officer at all opening times to show new members the ropes and help any members with their stones or use of machinery and troubleshoot any lapidary problems.
Our friendly experienced members are always willing to give a hand and to share the excitement of new skills and lapidary treasures.
Our diverse membership embraces persons from all walks of life including: high school students, scientists, commercial cleaners, artists, electricians, public servants, crafters, retired dancers, teachers, general retirees and aged pensioners.
We are a member of the Gem and Lapidary Council of NSW. Our activities conform to WHS requirements and the Club and its Members are fully insured.
VISITORS & NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Drop in to the clubrooms at any time during our opening hours (appointment not needed).
You are welcome to pop-in for a meet’n’greet, take a look around and have a cuppa and a chat, or join up on the spot and start your lapidary fun.
We have a selection of free rocks to start you off and provide all the components to do the job. We also have a variety of rough (raw), gemstones for sale as well as finished stones and some jewellery items.
You do not need to buy or prepare anything as a new member aside from ensuring you are aware of any personal protection items you may need. This mostly includes simple clothing requirements - covered shoes must be worn, long hair tied back, fitted clothing without fringes or tassels should be worn. Hearing protection and eye protection are recommended.
There is an initial one-off joining fee of $10, and our membership fees (for the financial year), including insurance, are minimal so our club can be enjoyed by all.
Single & Student $30
Family (2 persons) $55
Additional child in family $15
Pensioner single $25
Pensioner family $45
The attendance fee is $5 per session and covers the cost of running the lapidary machines, utilities and consumables.
Contact Us
Address
Lot 1, Bensley Rd, Hazlett Oval, Macquarie Fields, NSW 2564
Phone
(02) 9618 3206Operating Hours
Wednesdays 9am to 1pm
Fridays 5pm to 9pm
Saturdays 9am to 1pm