When you visit this famous and popular attraction, you'll sift through bags of North Carolina ore, washing away the earth in a miner's sluice box, revealing rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topaz, amethyst and garnets, to name a few. You keep what rough gemstones you find, but the best part is that the Mine can cut your stone and set it in beautiful jewelry, most within just a few hours. You can take home a new family heirloom instead of the usual tourists' souvenirs ... and for low prices.

Once you've mined your gems, you get a free appraisal from The Mine's assay office. If you choose to have your stones set, The Mine's expert jewelers and craftsmen use state-of-the art, stone-cutting equipment to shape your rough stone into a stunning gem. Settings can include pendants, rings, earrings and bracelets of 14- and 10-karat gold, as well as sterling silver. You can watch the jewelers while they work, or you can even help design your own ring.

For those who want a more hands-on experience, you can join The Mine's Gem Cutters Club, where a master cutter will give you one-on-one instruction, taking you step by step through the faceting process. Visitors also might want to browse The Mine's Rock Shop, filled with such geological finds as geodes, agate, carved onyx and more. There's even a mining museum on the premises that features specimens of every known gemstone as well as interesting mining memorabilia.

The brand-new, 13,000-square-foot site at Governor's Crossing in Sevierville is sure to introduce even more people to the thrills of mining for hidden treasure, including an indoor waterfall. And don't miss a conversation with "Gem Dandy," the resident old miner who will delight you and your family while you sift through that famous North Carolina ore. No matter which location you choose to visit, you're sure to enjoy a truly unique experience that you'll remember for years to come.