For Sharon and Peter Downs of Bizzy Fingers 10, gemstones aren’t just something to sell — they’re something to work with, treasure and share.
Peter has always loved working with minerals — fossicking, finding fossils, tumbling stones and transforming rough material into beautiful cabochons. Sharon, on the other hand, has a passion for jewellery making — beads, pearls, wirework and the delicate art of knotting pearls by hand.
Together, they’ve blended their two creative worlds beautifully.
Peter cuts and shapes the cabochons, tumbles raw crystals and prepares stones ready for sale (or for their ever-popular lucky dips), while Sharon carefully selects metal findings to complement each piece and handcrafts jewellery that feels as good as it looks.
“I love the art of creating,” Sharon says. “Especially knotting pearls, then feeling the softness of the finished necklace when you place it into your hand.”
They’ve been hands-on in lapidary and fossicking for over ten years. What started as a hobby has grown into a passionate pursuit — with gem shows helping fund the next fossicking adventure or that perfect slab for the cutting circle.
What You’ll Find at Their Stall
Bizzy Fingers 10 offers something for everyone:
- A wide selection of gems, minerals and fossils
- Beautiful cabochons cut by Peter
- Handcrafted jewellery by Sharon
- Gold plated and silver jewellery pieces
- Sterling silver chains
- A great range of pendants and earrings
- $5 Lucky Dips filled with stones for budding collectors
Their collection is varied and inclusive — perfect for families, collectors, beginners, gift shoppers and fossicking fans alike.
What Makes Them Special
Peter’s cabochons regularly receive compliments from experienced lapidary enthusiasts, praised for their precision and finish. Sharon’s pearl stringing is so admired that jewellery dealers have approached her to restring pearls on their behalf.
But what truly sets them apart is their generosity.
If a child shows genuine enthusiasm for lapidary work, Sharon and Peter always find a little “sample” to gift them — encouraging the next generation to follow their passion.
They also happily share knowledge with beginners, helping them understand how to achieve a professional finish in their own creations.
And if you’re searching for a particular crystal or mineral? They’ll happily source it and post it out to you.
Favourite Pieces
For Sharon, it will always be pearls.
“They make you feel so regal,” she says. “I just love the way they feel when you wear them.”
For Peter, it’s slabs. He loves talking with visitors about what they see in each slice — because everyone seems to discover something different within the stone.
Why They Love Lismore Gemfest?
Lismore Gemfest is the biggest show they attend — and one they truly look forward to.
The atmosphere, the traders who’ve become like family, the welcome nights, the cent auctions — and of course, the support from the Lismore Gem Club.
It’s more than a show. It’s a community.
Something Truly Unique
If you visit Bizzy Fingers 10 at Lismore Gemfest, expect warm conversation, beautiful stones, thoughtful craftsmanship — and maybe even a little surprise in a lucky dip.
Why They Love Lismore Gemfest
“Lismore Gemfest is by far the biggest, best and most fun gem show of the year! We love coming down every year — I think this is our 9th year — and we always look forward to it!”
And we’re pretty sure Lismore Gemfest loves having them too.
Make sure you stop by Gems and More at Lismore Gemfest — you never know what treasure you might discover.
