How long have you been in business?
We officially launched in 2000, a leap of faith from the 'day job' however we had been trading stones prior to this.
Do you have a company by-line?
Crystals and minerals carefully and ethically sourced from around the world and handled with care are the statements we stand by.
What brought you into the business?
I usually say sitting ontop of too many pyramids and chatting to wise men, but also I spent a lot of time learning my trade whilst visiting one of the 1st 'proper' crystal shops in the city close to my old 'day job'.
Have you noticed many changes over the years?
Change is the only thing you can rely on, I've noticed a greater interest in stone as a whole, more information being available some very good, there's also lots more people keen on the Diy aspects of making their own jewellery and cutting stones.
What stands out as the best part of running your business?
Probably meeting people that share the same passion for stones whether it's after a hike in a foreigh land looking for that elusive crystal, or at a show.
What’s the worst?
No doubt the paperwork and stock taking. Also when someone asks you if the stone they purchased(elsewhere) is real and you have to tell them it isn't!
Is there anything you’d do differently if you could do it again?
I'm sure I could make a list however without all the experiences we wouldn't be who we are today.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 10 years?
Always a difficult one but as long and we're able to continue working with stones we'll be happy!
Do you have a memorable funny (business) story?
There are a few some we can't mention, but from the customer who demanded we order them an exact duplicate of an amethyst cluster but only deeper in colour to hunting for smokey quartz crystals in Brazil, nearly everyone was heads down stumbling around and I found the best 1 of the day with my first glance. Also I remember having a lovely blue velvet like cover at a show stand and we used to spreadout little very clear quartz stones to enhance the display, a customer was convinced we had blue moonstones scattered on the table and wouldn't believe us when we said it was quartz.
What are your favourite crystals?
I have many and it does change however a large hand size herkimer diamond and a big really deep colour rose quartz sphere with a lovely asterism are my most favourite.
What do you look for in a customer?
Apart from the obvious it's nice to see that they have an interest in stones.
How do you source your stock?
We like to find 'nice people' all over the world who we can build a trading relationship with ensuring it's an ethical approach it's great talking to some of the miners and listening to the stories they tell.
What preparation do you do for a show?
After many years of exhibiting it just works, we don't know quite how our display will turnout and often we get a nudge to take some items that we had previously overlooked and there'll be a customer waiting for them!
As an experienced exhibitor what advice would you want to share with others?
Talk about what you do, be happy to answer questions, find your niche, remember it's an enormous industry and you're always learning, learn to say no!
Further information about Earthly Gems Ltd and to see their online shop with over 5000 crystals, minerals, gems visit www.earthly-gems.co.uk
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