The Calgary Rock N’ Gem show is returning to Calgary from Nov. 26 to Nov. 29 at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex. Showcasing a variety of rocks, gemstones, jewellery and more, the show has been going strong for over 20 years.

Owner Chris Robak started Silver Cove with his wife, Melissa, back in 2004. In the early days, they travelled to different markets, their collection rolling in a suitcase behind them.

“We started out in our basement with a six-foot table,” says Roback.

Roback says the shows started as a way for him to spend more time with his family. “I was working in the oil patch while we were operating Silver Cove out of a suitcase,” he says. “We were trying to figure out how I could stay home with the family.”

“We decided to make the leap and go full time into the rock and gem business, and we noticed there weren’t any shows running in our niche. So, we decided to host our own event, and it just took off.”

Over time, they were able to open a couple of permanent locations in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.

Twenty years later, and they are gearing up for their largest show yet. They’ve got 30 vendors coming to showcase their collections. To keep up with the interest in the show, they have moved to a larger venue at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex.

“It’s the biggest event we’ve ever hosted,” says Roback. “There’s a lot of things that can stress a person out, and when you come to our event you can just be immersed in the atmosphere and forget about the outside world.”

The show will feature rocks, gemstones, jewellery, spears, fossils and even more. This year they are putting an emphasis on the treasures of Mexico, as well as their usual Canada-focused displays.

“Sometimes we put a big emphasis on places like Asia or Greenland,” Roback says. “Every time you come, you’ll always see something new.”

There is really something for everyone, and it gives anyone the opportunity to discover something new, and maybe even find their spark.

Roback says it's one of the most rewarding parts of these shows, seeing the impact they’ve made in real time. “I had a woman pushing a stroller come up to me at a Calgary show, and she said that she used to come to the shows when she was a little girl, and now she’s bringing her daughter,” he says. “It meant a lot to me. There’s nothing better than knowing you made a positive difference in someone's life.”

The passion behind The Calgary Rock N’ Gem Show is undeniable, and it's that passion that has kept it going for over 20 years. Join them Nov. 26 to Nov. 29 at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex and immerse yourself in the world of rocks and gemstones.

Natalia Suk