The VIP Gem and Mineral Society was founded in 1955 as a non-profit, educational organization. From our bylaws, the objectives of the club are:
(1) to promote the study of mineralogy and allied earth sciences,
(2) to gain information on lapidary techniques,
(3) to collect and study minerals and
(4) to study and practice the art of lapidary.

The purpose of the club is educational and is expressed and developed through meetings, programs, exhibitions, field trips and projects. (See CLUB HISTORY) The club prides itself in being open to innovation and following up on new ideas. Our club is open to anyone interested in the the objectives of the group and always welcomes new members.

The VIPs have always had an excellent Guest Speaker program, with experts talking on subjects ranging from gemstone enhancement to jewelry design to microphotography of specimens. We also participate in several gem and mineral shows each year by entering a club case which displays the most interesting items from our members collections. Our group usually takes two or three field trips per year as a group, and has started to combine them with LA Rocks field trips.

Over half of our members are on-line, and are available as a valuable resource to answer your questions regarding collecting, lapidary work, lapidary equipment, metalsmithing, etc., etc.

The club has an active educational program for members, teaching lapidary work, silversmithing and web-site design.

All members, including on-line members, are welcome, but not required to attend our monthly meetings in the San Fernando Valley (location is temporarily variable while looking for a new permanent meeting place). Members receive all CFMS coverage, a monthly club bulletin (probably by snail-mail), and will be eligible to participate in the club's lapidary and/or silversmithing classes at the same nominal costs offered to all other club members.

To meet the needs of rockhounds who are primarily interested in collecting with other members of LA Rocks, recently formed on-line newsgroup for Southern California rock, gem and mineral collectors, the VIPs have established an on-line (virtual) membership category. This will allow LA Rocks members who are not members of any of the CFMS member clubs to be covered by CFMS insurance on field trips.

The VIP Gem and Mineral Society, a CFMS member society, is offering regular memberships and on-line memberships to LA Rocks subscribers for $10.00 per year.

We welcome you to join us and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding club activities, membership, or any other rockhound or website related questions.