Ever since I went to Hong Kong, I’ve been very picky about the stones I purchase. I even go as far as turning my nose up at great quality strands just because I keep remembering how inexpensive the prices of items were at the Hong Kong gem show. Due to shipping, import and middle man costs, strands here are just so pricey for similar or even lesser quality than what I found overseas. That makes it hard to keep my final price fair. Just thinking about it makes me pine for the next opportunity to visit my brother during a gem show window – if it even comes along at all.
Since I haven’t been buying new supplies, aside from those for custom orders, I was really looking forward to a local bead and gem show that is happening this weekend. This morning I got up with much anticipation at all the goodies I would find. In particular, I was looking forward to visiting the vendor from whom I purchased my beautiful fire agate opal slabs like the ones to the right and the one used in Fire Drop Necklace. I was ready for more slabby goodness in as many variations and stones that I could find!
Sadly, after walking the whole convention center in search of the vendor, the promoter informed me that the vendor had several deaths in the family. The time periods have been such that they have missed the last 3 shows for this venue. (The shows occur in different states each month.) Having just lost my dad, I can’t imagine what it must be like to have more than one death occur in such a short span of time. My heart truly goes out to them.
Once I got my mind back to the task at hand, I realized that I had money burning a hole in my pocket! Having participated in the Use What You Have Challenge, I had racked up a nice stash for future supply purchases and I was ready to buy.
Wouldn’t you know it – I knew I was in trouble when I walked the whole convention center and found not a single thing that absolutely drew my attention. That made me so sad I had to call my close, always fashionable friend and sometimes advisor to bemoan how badly I felt. (Yes, I was just calling to complain.) I really wanted to spend some money and I couldn’t find anything that did it for me!
From top to bottom: rutilated quartz, tourmalinated quartz, rutilated quartz, imperial jasper
Well, I did find something that I have wanted for a long time – rutilated quartz. I bought two strands of it in a faceted heart shape. I also picked up some tourmalinated quartz and imperial jasper. Oh and some 3mm Swarvoski pearls for a custom order experiment to match the ring I made earlier this month. (If you’re wondering what the difference is between the two quartz’, the rutilated has gold colored rutile spikes in it, while the tourmalinated has black and green colored rutile spikes in it.)
So, that was my shopping adventure today. I didn’t walk away with exactly what I was looking for, but at least I did walk away with something and that gives my inner shopaholic a little comfort. :)
I always feel like it’s when I have the money to spend that I can’t find anything! I love the imperial jasper you found.
Glad that Use What You Have Challenge gave you some deep pockets :)
i just wanted to say that i love her work! and i know every bit of what you mean about finding just the right pieces for your jewelry…it’s worth it in the end. <3. and that picture of the jasper and quartz is making my fingers itch, :))
Thanks guys. :)