Another local 'gemming' place is Gems of Pala. My contact was a Mr. Sheppard. If my memory serves it wasn't quite so pricey. There was a slag heap near a tent w/o sides. You scooped your own pail and proceeded to sort at a personal sifter tray. VERY hot work! Bring Water!! 2+ hours of work and I had nothing to show for it -- but somehow the kids found plenty! It was fun to watch them run around and show off their finds to everyone. The area IS in the back of beyond.
Been to Gems of Pala years ago. 1) Do NOT go in summertime!! Atrociously hot! 2) "Gems" are few and far between. Out of a 2-gallon bucket of tailings and at least an hour of grubbing in almost intolerable conditions, , I got exactly ZERO finds of ANY size. It was an experience, yes. Worth doing? Absolutely NOT. Would I go again? NOT ON YOUR LIFE, NO.