The notion of organizing a gem and mineral society was conceived at the conclusion of a lapidary course sponsored by the Washoe County School District. This course was under the direction of Victor Dow as instructor at his place of business on B Street. Plans for forming a society were discussed among interested persons at a meeting in the Council Chambers of the Sparks City Hall.
The Washoe Gem & Mineral Society was organized in the spring of 1950. It was an active organization, sponsoring field trips and conducting clases in lapidary and silversmithing. The society became afficliated with the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS) in November 1954. At that time there were 104 members.
In 1955, a second group of twelve members formed the Pyramid Gem & Mineral Society. This group joined the CFMS in June 1958.
Three groups (Pyramid, Washoe and Fallon’s Lahontan Society) alternated in sponsoring annual gem and mineral shows in the area. These shows were called the Nevada Gem and Mineral Show. The first Jackpot of Gems Show was held in 1966 with Len Vance as Show Chairman.
In August 1965, the members of the Washoe and Pyramid Societies voted to merge into one called the Reno Gem & Mineral Society. The first combined meeting occurred on December 1, 1065. Until 1976, meetings, classes, etc. were held in homes, garages, and basements. In 1976, the Society moved to it’s present location at 480 S Rock Blvd.
The Society was given non-profit status in 1984 under code 501c(7). In March 2012, the Society was granted it’s current tax-exempt status as a 501c(3) non-profit educational organization.