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Lapidary Rocks! is the Fan Page for the Des Moines Lapidary Society and the Des Moines Lapidary Socie is the fan page for the Des Moines Lapidary Society.
We think rocks are cool, and awe inspiring! Here you will find colorful and interesting posts about all things related to the amazing works of art that are beneath the surface of our planet. Sources of beautiful and amazing stones – to view and to purchase. Techniques for enhancing and displaying stone in jewelry… in the home… in your yard… Information about how nature created underground art. Tips for working with machines that help speed up this ancient art. We are on the lookout for unusual, beautiful, interesting photos and information. Who knows what we might find to share! The Des Moines Lapidary Society is a 60+ year old organization located in Des Moines, Iowa. Our mission is to educate people of all ages about the lapidary arts, and, to provide access to equipment and instruction for people interested in trying the hobby. DMLS maintains a facility with lapidary equipment and a small silverworking shop. We are a Non-profit Educational organization. DMLS coordinates the annual "Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show" every October at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Our show has vendors of all things gem, mineral & fossil: cut gemstones, tools, lapidary rough and slabs, home decor, specimens, much stone jewelry, beads… Income from our show supports our facility and allows us to keep our membership fee low. This family event has much to see. There are activities for children and adults. Children can dig in the sand "Pebble Pit" to find cool stones or go on a treasure hunt. Everyone will find the display case exhibits interesting. Many items are offered at the Silent Auction tables – fossil and mineral specimens with kid friendly starting bids, quality specimens, jewelry, findings, polished and shaped stone cabochons. The silent auctions are held regularly throughout each day of the show. Demonstrations are also presented each day: “Cabbing” -- shaping a piece of stone into a cabochon, “knapping” flint or obsidian into a cutting tool, panning for gold, wire wrapping a cool stone to make a pendant or ring, hammering metal, glass blowing and more. We are glad to have you join us as we celebrate the uniqueness or our earth, and each other.
DMLS Sale Canceled
We apologize for the late notice.
After watching the weather closely and hoping for a break in the weather - the forecast is still calling for a high chance of rain tomorrow.
Unfortunately we will have to cancel tomorrow's Rock, Mineral, Fossil swap.
Hope everyone is staying dry
Reminder!! This Saturday September 12th is our membership meeting at 1:00! This meeting is a show and tell so if you found some goodies or made things over the summer break bring them to show off!!
Unfortunately, the Saturday Des Moines Lapidary Swap has been cancelled for tomorrow.
I called the vendors for the Saturday Swaps to get a feel for the participation. Due to the results, the Swap for tomorrow, August 15th, is cancelled.
I received a combination of the following concerns:
* Rain in the weather.
* Heat - (later in the afternoon)
* Competition with the Iowa State Fair.
* Competition with Des Moines Farmers Market.
We look forward to the September Swap on the 19th.
Thank you,
Barb Eshelman
DMLS President
Due to extreme temperatures - we are canceling the Swap this Saturday, July 18th, 2026.
Hope to see you next month August 15th.
Thank you for understanding,
Barbara Eshelman
Are YOU easily distracted by ROCKS? GEMS? CRYSTALS?
Then make a stop This Saturday to cure your fix!
Des Moines Lapidary Society Parking Lot Swap
Come shop, visit, ask questions, identify rocks, get ideas, help set up or clean up, bring a friend, and above all… have a good time!
Swaps are held every 3rd Saturday
May through September, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
weather permitting*
Where: DMLS Clubhouse – 2608 24th St. Des Moines, IA
2026 Dates – May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug 15, Sept 19
*If the weather is in question, check Facebook for cancelations. Cancelations are not re-scheduled.
05/22/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CfjTNLc35/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Randall Edward Russell Obituary May 19, 2026 - Simplify Cremations & Funerals View Randall Edward Russell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
I received a call from Vance Vestwebber to share some sad news. It is with great sorrow that I must inform you that we lost a much-loved member of our Lapidary community yesterday (Tuesday).
Randy Russell passed away. At this time, we only know that he did not show up for a regular evening of dinner, games, and friends. He was later found at home and had passed away.
I will share more information as it becomes available.
Barb Eshelman
DMLS President
05/15/2026
The Des Moines Lapidary Society (DMLS) will be hosting Swap / Social Saturday's again this year. Select members will be selling: Gemstones, Jewelry, Crystals, Cabochons, Slabs, Rough, Mineral Specimens, Fossils, and other lapidary-related items.
This is an OUTDOOR event and will be canceled for rain and possibly windy conditions. DMLS will be trying to make sure 6+ vendors will be at each one of these events. We hope to keep individuals involved in the lapidary arts by making available supplies & rough while in a safer, smaller, and outdoor event. This will also give opportunities to people to add to their collections and purchase gifts. This event is open to the public and FREE to attend. We encourage people to invite friends and other people that would be interested.
When: 3rd Saturday, May through Sept - 10 am to 1 pm
Where: DMLS Clubhouse parking lot - 2608 24th St., Des Moines, IA 50310
Cost: FREE
Food: Snacks will be sold by DMLS
Website: www.DMLapidary.org
Other Info:
• This will be a parking lot event. The clubhouse will be open for bathroom use only unless you have a workstation reservation.
• Event will be canceled if bad weather. (Check Facebook for cancellations) See less
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