As Cait explains:

The journey started a 12 months in the past when my curiosity in gathering fastened property akin to gold bars, silver and copper ingots started to really feel redundant, and I began searching for different choices.

Throughout my analysis, I got here throughout valuable stones. I instantly turned intrigued not solely by their magnificence, but additionally by the truth that every stone has its personal uniqueness and its personal story. I began ordering just a few gems, however discovered that their costs have been fairly excessive and never precisely the most effective funding. I used to be additionally scared by the bigger corporations and the uncertainty about trusting that what I ordered was genuinely real.

As time progressed, I started to attach with varied retailers, distributors, and different hobbyists. Thanks to those relationships, I used to be capable of finding and provide pure stones at a way more cheap worth and set up relationships primarily based on belief. I discovered this very gratifying. I benefit from the concept of ​​gathering semi-precious and valuable gems that may enhance in worth over time and is usually a strong funding. Plus, I recognize fairly shiny gems versus uninteresting gold and silver nuggets. Laughing out loud!.

Aren’t all of us? All that sparkle is actually addicting. Fortunately for us, Cait and Shelly share a few of their finds with the jewelers. I’ve chosen a few of my favorites from their assortment. Like the instance above, Welo opals from Ethiopia are significantly cute and reasonably priced.

Metalsmiths and wire employees will recognize them. A few of the gems are on the small aspect so examine should you’re a bead weaver as a result of they’re tougher to work with.