So I walked into a jewelry store…

[4_cs]

I had so much fun. Had to go to a couple of appointments today about 45 minutes from home. Left the house late. Was wearing jeans and Ugg’s-not my usual jewelry shopping attire, not that I have jewelry shopping attire. I think I combed my hair. While husband was at an appointment I decided to go walk to a jewelry store. Texted him to let him know where I was and to meet me when he was done. He waited in the car
Anyway I went there because they carry loose colored gemstones-Peter Torraca, Rogery Dery etc. The owner was so nice and talked with me for an hour. The sales clerk was equally nice. I would have stayed longer but husband was getting hungry. He showed me all the Paraiba Tourmaline they had including a 1.92 round and a 3 ct cushion. I was in love. They were both already sold privately. He had the most beautiful colored one that was very small and way out of my budget. He must have had a dozen of different sizes and color intensity.
Then on to some other stones. Some beautiful diopside-I mean take your pick, round cushion,pear,emerald cut.He had kunzite,morganite,more tourmaline. And then one of my favorites- Russain demantoid melee. It was in a in a plastic rectangular display box and the 185 pieces were arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. Just what I need for my tiara.
I plan on going back tomorrow because I have another appointment near there. Really. There were a few more things I wanted to look at. I am still in the infant stage of gemstone learning. I know enough to be dangerous and not enough to know what I’m doing. It was fun learning and the owner was very generous with his time.

 

[pregcurious]

I can only dream...

 

[JewelFreak]

What a fun experience! I've found that many jewelers are gracious with their time when somebody shares their enthusiasm -- not in chain stores, but in individual ones, if they aren't busy. It's probably as much a joy to him to have had you come in as it was to you. How super! (Ahem, nail your credit card into your pocket tomorrow. )

--- Laurie

 

[FrekeChild]

Or leave your CC at home.

 

[texaskj]

OK, maybe leave the card at home, but take your camera (if they don't mind.)

Is your puppy a Labradoodle?

 

[4_cs]

Well this place has quite the extensive estate and consignment section that I didn't even get to. That is why I am going back. There was a stone that caught my eye. I wanted to take out my camera but we only just met. I’ll ask next time I go in. I live in the SF Bay Area and the store was in the east bay in a busy shopping district (think Tiffany, NM, Nordstrom) but a few blocks off the main street. I was the only customer and thankful that they were able to spend so much time with me. They were all in the back when I walked in. I had some other business to do in a nearby town that is quite upscale. I saw 7 Tesla’s parked on the street. I see them regularly. They must belong to people who work in the offices. Either that or you get a Tesla when you move to town. The very small downtown area is a mix of offices, restaurants and very few retail shops. There is a jewelry store there but not nearly as nice and you have to be buzzed in.
Maybe no CC but I might bring in my stones to see if they have any settings that might be suitable. I’m not in any hurry. Plus I have a really ugly heavy gold ring that no one in their right mind would wear. It belonged to a family member and has zero sentimental value. It might help fund a purchase.
My puppy is a Goldendoodle. His name is Bentley. He was a rehome. I also have a labradoodle and a crazy wheaten terrier. Low allergenic dogs because of allergies in my family.

 

[texaskj]

Bentley looks like a sweetie. And he's so clean!
All my dogs have to be brown or black so they don't show dirt.

 

[chrono]

A super fun trip. I hope you'll have the chance to revisit the shop and take pictures the next time.

 

[VirginiaZee]

Sounds like a fun trip! And aren't Goldendoodles just so cuddly and fluffy?

 

[minousbijoux]

If it happens to be in Walnut Creek and you do go back, ask him to see the new stone he got from Lisa Elser yesterday. Its magnificent!

 

[pregcurious]

Is the store in CA? CA has all the good gemstones and jewelery. I'm in DC and it's pretty staid here.

 

[4_cs]

I'm tired and just got home.Meetings,jewelry store, work,meetings. But yes it is in Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek has many jewelry stores. I missed seeing a stone? Will have to go back. Hope it's the right store. I am getting some stones I had set into studs and there is another stone(s) I really like that I need to study better. Also got a nice surprise.Brought in an old gifted ring. Thought it was just a glob of gold and a pearl with really bad OECs. Turns out I was right about the glob of gold and diamonds but the pearl is a Biwa. Not the best shape but hope I can set it into a pendant.

 

[4_cs]

And yes-doodles are the best, even though he has chewed all the baseboards In my house. He thinks he's a supermodel because he gets lots of attention when we are out.

 

[minousbijoux]

Sorry, false alarm! I was confusing your jewelers with another jeweler who bought Lisa's tourmaline. But even so, I do believe I know the store to which you are referring - not on the main street but parallel to it one or two streets over.

 

[4_cs]

Since I'm so new here just not sure about naming names. I have no trouble sharing the name of the store.And a wonderful stone at a store in the Bay Area? I have a car and can drive. I consider it an educational field trip.Looking at well cut amazing stones just gives me a greater appreciation for colored stones. And I like to see all colored stones to see if I can spot what I don't like about a stone,shape,cut or color and what the correct terminology is. One of my hobbies is hiking and I hike all over the Bay Area . I can tell you the location of every Anthropologie store in relation to hiking locations. Now I'm scouting out jewelry stores to visit after a hike. I'm guessing my husband would prefer I stick to Anthro instead of jewelry stores. So I have to practice taking gemstone photos with my cell phone. Is there a secret? Nothing came out

 

[pregcurious]

I love Anthro, gems and hiking. Not yet into dogs though. You must be a long lost cousin.

Anthro used to have the coolest carved quart (rock crystal) flower ring.