Where gems, craft and community meet
A volunteer-run lapidary community at Albert Bishop Park in Nundah, Queensland. Learn gem cutting, metalsmithing and fossicking. Adults and supervised juniors aged 12–17 are welcome.
What we teach
Activities & Workshops
What we do
Teaching the craft of gem cutting, metalsmithing and fossicking
Established
2000
5 faceting machines on site, plus cabbing grinders and silversmithing tools.
Members
+
Workshop fee $6 per session. Joining fee $40 (single).
Why join NBLC
Equipment, instructors and a fossicking licence at your fingertips
NBLC is a not-for-profit community based at Albert Bishop Park in Nundah. Members learn faceting, cabochoning and metalsmithing through club equipment, workshops and instructor support when available, plus regular fossicking trips for members.
Rostered instructors
A metalsmithing instructor is on at several work sessions each week. Faceting and cabbing taught in scheduled courses when an instructor is available.
Equipped workshop
5 faceting machines, cabbing grinders (diamond + silicon carbide) and silversmithing hand tools for beginners.
Club fossicking licence
Field trips to Kilkivan, Windera and Ewingar Creek for gold, agate and smoky quartz. Members are covered under the club's licence on trips.
Get involved
Three ways to start your lapidary journey
Our annual highlight
Our Annual Gem and Jewellery Festival
Each year NBLC hosts a Gem and Jewellery Festival — traders, displays, raffles and kids' fossicking areas. A great chance to see the community in action.
New here?
Visiting NBLC
Prospective members and visitors are welcome at the clubrooms. Please email before attending so we can confirm a time that suits. Closed footwear is required in all work rooms.
Q. How much does it cost to join?
Joining fee is $40 (single) plus an annual subscription from $60. Junior (12–17), Pensioner/Senior (65+) and Associate rates are lower. Workshop fee is $6 per session. See Costs & Fees for the full table.
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