The 2009 Gem Trade Show held in Coober Pedy, 24 and 25th July saw two days of dedicated interest from both local and overseas buyers, with the standard, quality and variety of the Australia’s National Gem, exceptionally high. 

Yanni Athanasiadis and James Mougris of Coober Pedy with 4 beautiful ladies from Shanghai (China) at the Gem Trade Show in Coober Pedy SA

The Greek Orthodox Community Hall was once again the venue for  the Gem Trade Show providing miners and traders the opportunity to showcase their products to local, national and international buyers between 10am and 5pm Friday and 9am and 5pm Saturday.

Many man hours contributed to the success of the Gem Trade Show. Above is the booth displaying other sponsors

The Chairman of the 2009 Gem Trade Show  Yanni Athanasiadis said, “on behalf of the Gem Trade Show committee,  I would like to thank all the participants for their support including the visitors and the buyers, all of the sponsors and all of those people who made the show so successful.

I would like to thank Phil Hart from Austrade for his commitment and hard work in bringing up to 20 International buyers who attended from overseas.

The ladies from Shanghai set out on a shopping spree

We expect that the 2010 Gem Trade Show will continue to grow as it has  with more local and regional participants”.

“The two days had a steady flow of interest from both locals, travellers and International visitors,” said the Gem Trade Show Chairman. 

“We look forward to seeing you all again in 2010, added Mr. Athanasiadis “.

The  Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show is a partnership between the Coober Pedy Retail Business and Tourism Association and the Coober Pedy Miners Association.   Initial seed funding was sourced from these two organisations. The District Council of Coober Pedy and the Northern Regional Development Board (NRDB) then matched this funding in the spirit of the Opal Capital community. 

Trader Doug Ilic taking a break with Chad Menzies Gem Trade Show Coordinator

Chad Menzies, Far North Economic Development  Manager with the NRDB and Gem Trade Show Coordinator said, “as only the third Gem Trade Show held in Coober Pedy the Committee is delighted with the outcome.

Booth holders were particularly pleased with the professional construction of booths and also with the steady stream of visitors to the Show and sales over the two days. It is hoped that the Gem Trade Show will continue to build momentum amongst the local traders, particularly as overseas interest has doubled in just the third year of the event”.

Gerry Mayer - Rainbow Opal and Don from Queensland and Boulder Opal Mining

Gerry Mayer’s Andamooka Rainbow Opal and Don’s Queensland Boulder Opal Mining from Winton joined forces  at the Gem Trade Show for a spectaclular exhibition of vivid and lush colour, combined in the wonderful Andamooka Queen of Gems and the bright, picturesque stones from the Queensland Boulder Opal Fields.

Gerry and Erica Mayer and Don are great mates and  were able to combined their exhibition with a catch-up holiday in South Australia. 

There is no doubt that the two fields, although producing completely different opal, both capture the depth of nature’s colours. 

Gerry had some of the most brilliant, colourful stones and settings on display that Andamooka is so famous for and of course Queensland Boulder is set off so beautifully by it lovely deep brown host rock which often uniquely forms part of the setting. 

Gerry & Erica Mayer from Rainbow Opals Andamooka. Gerry chats with Coober Pedy's Trevor Berry at the Gem Trade Show

Coober Pedy Stall holders Tanja and Dale Price were extremely pleased with the outcome of the inaguaral event.   TADA OPALS are second year exhibitors. Dale Price said, “Both Tanja and I am extremely impressed with the professionalism of the booth layout and the amount of genuine interest in opal.  The Gem Trade Show is the best thing that’s happened for the miners this year.”

Tanja and Dale Price of TADA OPALS were extremely pleased with the outcome of the Gem Trade Show

Tony Wong looking after International visitors attending the Show

Tony Wong, local opal buyer and third year exhibitor said, “the Gem Trade Show has been very busy this year and a lot of fun, with many International visitors from China and India”.

Tony also complimented the  booth set up. “It  is much better this time”, said Tony.  “It is very professional. We need even more exhibitors with different kinds of opal and stock.  I think it would be very good for the Gem Trade Show and especially for the overseas visitors”.

 Tony was busy all day with plenty of friends dropping in for a chat and lots of trade happening. 

Visitors dropping in on Tony and Ying: Pommy John, Anna Male, Ying Wong, Ken Male and Tony Wong

 Darryl Borrett, local opal miner and trader, hosted friends on a tour of the town and the Gem Trade Show. Darryl  inspired his guests with his knowledge engaging their interest in the mysteries and hard yakka involved in bringing such a magnificent show to the public, of outstanding opal from beneath the harsh desert here in outback South Australia.

Proud opal miner Darryl Borrett said, ” I am very impressed with this year’s Show. The opal is well presented and quality of opal is as best we’ve seen. It is a credit to the opal miners and a wonderful opportunity that the Gem Trade Shows across the country provide for the miners to  participate at this level, thus meeting many consumers who will finally wear and appreciate their produce. It provides a genuine guarantee”. 

Visitors, Dr. Sue McCoy enjoying a hot cuppa at the Show with Darryl Borrett, Sue's husband Dr. Don McCoy FGAA and Dr. Geoffrey Vercoe OAM

Many of the miners are involved in cutting, jewellery design and setting.  It is apparent that this final showcasing of their opal is a satisfying completion of that process. In turn the opal lovers searching for that special stone, were able to meet with those involved in the process of actually finding and cultivating their special piece of jewellery. 

Photos: Copyright to Coober Pedy Regional Times (Proud Sponsor)