About Us
Gemstones
My first interest in gemstones began with our annual visit to the Orange County
Fair when I was about eight or nine years old. My father and I would always make sure the
last thing we did before leaving the fair grounds was to visit the lapidary
building. I was in awe of the many polished slabs and exhibits of gemstones. I
can still recall the smooth cool feel of the polished gemstones the first time I
touched them. Although it was many years before I got into it seriously I never
failed to visit any rock shop or booth that had gemstones on display.
Now being able to create a beautiful stone out of a piece of rough rock still
amazes me. Like many others I started with a tumbler and worked my way up to a
cabbing machine. I've read everything I can find on polishing gemstones and have
received advice from professional lapidaries. I found the people
who collect, sell and/or polish gemstones are very eager to pass along
information and skills to anyone that is interested. I hope to be one of those
people too.
After perfecting my skill shaping and polishing cabochons, I was turning out a
number of stones that my wife liked and she began taking an interest in jewelry
making. Together we have made a number of gifts for family members and friends.
We have sold stones and jewelry through my daughter's bead store, which were
well received by her customers.
Now we are branching out to the internet. We want to provide quality stones for
beaders and jewelry artist , as well as jewelry for customers to give their
loved ones or keep for themselves.
Shoppe Keepers, Dick and Pat
