Changsha Gem and Mineral Show (China)

The Changsha Gem and Mineral Show was held in Changsha, China from the 16^th – 20^th May 2013. It is the first time the event has been run and its aim was to introduce the Chinese people to various gemstones and mineral from all over the world.

At the same time, the ICA (International Coloured Gemstones Association) was holding a congress at the Wanda Vista Hotel. What an amazing hotel. It was made of Italian Marble and it had agate slices on the wall for decoration.

   

 As with any new show, there were some teething problems with customs and show organizers which made selling anything very difficult, but the experience and education to the Chinese people was well worth it.

We setup a booth in the Australian pavilion exhibiting Black Opals from Lightning Ridge. We decided our target market were the museums so we took mainly opalised fossils to exhibit.

   

 There were plenty of stunning mineral samples to appreciate. There is something about the natural formation of mineral crystals, and the Chinese display them in beautiful carved wood stands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the picture below to see what it was like getting in the door in the morning to setup, crazy amount of pushing and shoving Chinese style.

 

 

It was a fantastic experience not only visiting China for the first time, but being a part of the ICA congress and the first ever Changsha Gem and Mineral Show. Even though there were a few teething problems, I will certainly be looking forward to my next visit.