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Lapidary Les

Date: 01-04-2023
Success Story

 

Les Hathaway

When Les Hathaway was twelve he would go with his dad to the Redcliffe Lapidary Club to watch him cut and polish stones to make jewellery.

Les would also go fossicking for stones with his dad at Redcliffe and Scarborough beaches to source the stones. He says that people are often surprised by the beautiful stones he finds on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

A white gemstone called chalcedony can be found at Redcliffe and Margate beaches, whilst a red stone called carnelian can be sourced from the beach at Scarborough.

“The stones, when polished, are absolutely gorgeous, Les proclaims.”

Les says he has never sold a piece of jewellery, but instead prefers to make items for his children and grandchildren.

Les is a member of three Lapidary Clubs. He says that joining a club is a great way to learn new skills and meet other gem enthusiasts. 

“Most clubs have got faceting, grinding and polishing machines so you can make your own beautiful pendants,” Les says.

“There is also usually a silversmith area where you can learn to be a silversmith and make your own one-of-a-kind jewellery like necklaces or bracelets.”

“It’s a lot of fun, you learn lots of new skills, and meet some great people.”

Les has been heavily involved in bringing the 2023 National Gemboree to Dayboro over Easter.

Those looking to marvel at unique and beautiful stones from across Australia and the world can head along to Dayboro Showgrounds to witness the biggest lapidary, rock, fossil, crystal, mineral, gem and jewellery show in the country. 

There is no doubt that Les's dad would be very proud of his son's achievements in Lapidary.

Gemboree 2023

Article and photo sourced from the Moreton Bay Daily

 

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