Gem Valley LLC is a family-owned business just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Founded in 2006 by Debbi Farmer and Harry Davis, Gem Valley is the only public panning facility in Ashe County, NC. We are located near the historical Ore Knob Mine that was in operation from the mid 1800's to the mid 1900's. Our creeks feed into the New River, which is the second-oldest river in the world! Please visit our Directions page for how to find us!

    Our Mission Statement:

    Our goal is to offer a fun, learning experience as you flume, and for you to take home something truly valuable and worth your time. Here at Gem Valley, each bucket is guaranteed to have valuable stones pulled from the mine just waiting for you to sift through and find!

    What We Offer:

    Gem Valley is a Seasonal gem mining, fluming and gold panning business. At Gem Valley you have opportunity to find and take home some truly beautiful and valuable gems of all sorts! The Appalachian Mountains of NC have a huge variety of precious and semi-precious stones in its soil! Our flume workers will be glad to assist you in identifying your stones!

    Our Gem Shop and Museum offers a variety of jewelry, stones, souvenirs and information on geology, paleontology, and the lapidary arts. Our experienced gem cutters will be glad to take custom stone-cutting and jewelry setting orders.

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