Gem Fest 2008 Information

D&J Rare Gem Fest 2008 is a four plus day event bringing together many of the customers and friends of D&J Rare Gems to Salida, Colorado, for demonstrations, field trips and presentations about gemstones both in Colorado and throughout the world. Gem Fest was conceived many years ago by Donna and John Rhoads of D&J Rare Gems, Ltd. as a means for them to share their love for gemstones with others who share the same passion.

The first Gem Fest in August 2003 was attended by 21 customers from across the country. It was an overwhelming success both for D&J Rare Gems, Ltd. and the customers who attended, many of which attended again in 2004,2005, 2006, and 2007. All who attended enjoyed the scheduled events. There was even some carry over into Sunday afternoon and the next day.

Once again we will have a "Gem Snatch'', introduced after dinner at the Rhoads' in 2005 and one of the most popular events of the Gem Fest. We also hope to continue the extended hours at the peridot claims which was very popular when introduced in 2005.

We hope that the Gem Fest 2008 meets with similar enthusiasm. The event has proven most popular and we look forward to hosting a Gem Fest annually.

Donna and John Rhoads

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, August 5
Topaz Mt Field Trip -Scheduling to be Determined
We will travel via car pool to the former Topaz Mountain Fee area in Colorado. An additional fee($40.00 in 2007) will be required by the current owner. Lunch and beverages will be provided. An extra fee of $25/person will be required. Only fully paid participants of Gem Fest 2008 may participate.

Wednesday, August 6
Faceting Seminar at D&J Rare Gems, Ltd.
This programs will be designed for the beginning and "want to be" gem faceter. Everything will be provided for hands on experience. This programs is limited to 6 people who are fully paid for Gem Fest 2008. The additional fee for this event is $25/person.

Cocktail Party and Welcome
D&J Rare Gems Headquarters, 6 to 9 PM

Thursday, August 7, 9 AM
Greeting by John A. Rhoads
Introduction of participants and assistants.
Opening of gem parcels from our sources around the world.
Gemology for Beginners
12 Noon - Deli Style Lunch
Mini Gem Show and Sale by D&J Rare Gems, Ltd., Special discounts for Gem
Fest participants.
Evening Pizza Dinner at the home of Donna and John Rhoads.
Gem gravels will once again be available for washing and searching for rough gems.

Friday, August 8, 9AM
Coffee and Tea
9:00 AM Departure for the Contin’ Tail Gem and Mineral Show in Buena Vista,
Colorado.
12 Noon - Deli Style Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 PM? Contin’ Tail Gem and Mineral Show
5:00 PM Cocktails at the home of Donna and John Rhoads
5:30 PM Group Photo at the home of Donna and John Rhoads
6:00 to 9 PM? Dinner for Gem Fest Participants at the home of Donna and John Rhoads
After Dinner, awarding of gemstone door prizes with "Gem Snatch' opportunities. You don't know what your prize will be until the final prize is awarded.

Saturday, August 9, 7AM
8:00 AM Carpool to the peridot claims of D&J Rare Gems, Ltd.
Participants are welcome to scour the claim for gem grade peridot, quartz, and
enstatite, and keep what they find.
Experienced collectors will be available to assist participants.
12 Noon - Deli Style Lunch and Barbeque
Afternoon Return to Salida
Evening free to experience Salida

Sunday, August 10, 9 AM - 4 PM
Coffee and Tea
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Slide presentation on Australia Gem Tour 2007
11:00 AM to 12 Noon Discussion of the event and future plans.
12 Noon - Deli Style Lunch
Afternoon freestyle - Polymer Clay Jewelry workshop by Cheryl Prunty (extra fee required for materials). . Gem faceting topics of interest to participants.

Monday, August 11, 8 AM - ?
Mt Antero Field Trip
This trip will take participants to the 14,000 foot elevation of North America's highest gem location. Participants will have to opportunity to search for aquamarine, beryl, quartz, and phenacite and experience the incredible scenery. Due to the high elevation of this location and the extremely rugged conditions it is strongly recommended that only those who are physically fit sign up for this trip. Lunch and beverages will be provided. The cost for this extra event is $25/person and is available only to those who have paid the full fee for Gem Fest 2007.

The fee for Gem Fest 2008 is $139.00/person. The fee includes a Gem Fest T shirt,
morning coffee and tea, beverages throughout the day, a deli style lunch daily, and a
barbecue dinner Friday night.

A registration form accompanies this brochure or can be found online at www.djraregems.com.

Payment can be made to D&J Rare Gems, Ltd. by check or creditcard or by cash in person only. Full refunds are available until July 1, 2008. A $25 fee will be deducted for
cancellations between July 1 and August 1, 2008. No refunds after August 1, 2008.

Please note that there are additional fees for the extra field trips and polymer clay workshop.