So - to the end of day 1 at Set Marie aux Mines.
It's been an exciting first day, though I have to admit that doing anything that requires a brain in this heat is not easy a all.
What have I learned?
Everyone we have met who is part of the organisation - ladies at the gates and men on parking - have been absolutely lovely.
People love whippets! Merryn has had so many admirers and kind people giving her attention. We’ve had to be really careful because the ground can be hot for her little feet. Although we love her being with us, and usually she has the best time - she loved Brittany - we would not bring her here again.
We’re really glad to have our Airbnb in the mountains to retreat to at the end of the day, even with a drive when we are tired. Se Marie aux Mines is very busy with tons of people and very packed bars.
I achieved two things on my list:
Buy Amber
Meet up with the lovely Chinese people we met in Tucson.
I also found a crystal that is completely new to me - and I love it!
AMBER
People often ask me about buying crystals.
My bottom line is only to buy from people I like.
Today I walked away from someone I thought was
rude. He may have been cheaper - I didn’t bother to look.
I chose to buy from a lovely man from Lituania (home of Amber) called Lukas, who had a clear, bright energy and who was very lovely. He also had top grade Amber!
I bought a big bag that will last for some time and I’m delighted with it.
In time it will all be graded for size, priced and added to the shop.
On this trip, however, I’m going to have some special offers.
Special offer - preorder - save £6
If you would like a gridset of 6 medium sized pieces that would normally be £18, you can preorder for £12.
We will chose intuitively for you.
You will not receive these immediately. We will not be back until the beginning of July and will then have a lot of unpacking to do.
Delicious, top grade Amber Bracelets
5-6mm mixed greenish £29
10mm approx greenish £39
10mm approx more golden £39
I bought several of these absolutely gorgeous bracelets.
On the left are our ‘standard size beads’ approximately 6mm. They are mixed with a greenish hue.
The middle photograph shows larger beads - 8 - 10cm - in the same colours.
I then remembered that not everyone prefers greenish Amber! I bought some delicious bracelets with warmer hues.
These bracelets are excellent quality and really beautiful.
Again - you can preorder for a discount of £3.
special offer - preorder - save £3
Amber Bracelets for Children
I have some small bracelet in mixed beads or standard amber colour - Cognac Amber
They will be £9 in the shop
Preorder for £7
SPECIAL OFFER - PREORDER - save £2
Email to preorder
THE LOVELY CHINESE PEOPLE!
When we were in Tucson a couple of years ago we purchased lots of beautiful pieces from a lovely Chinese family based in Hong Kong. Some of you may remember the wonderful Quartz Polar Bears (amongst other treasures).
One of the things I was most excited about on this trip was to meet them again - and today I found them!
They didn’t have any Polar Bears but they did have lots of beautiful things and I bought lots. I love their work. The quality of carving is excellent.
They were so helpful and kind and brought boxes to me to choose from so I didn’t have to bend down a lot. We had a good giggle together as we communicated with no common language.
I haven’t had time to unpack the box yet bu there are some real treasures coming.
I also bought some Jade and Rose Quartz Gua Sha and crystal face rollers that you have been asking me for. I know you can buy them online cheaply, but I prefer to choose each piece and to know where it came from.
Photographs to come soon
DISCOVERY OF THE DAY
I’m very excited! Today I spotted some small crystals that I’ve never seen before.
In a huge stall with so many amazing things, these little guys caught my attention.
I picked one up and it felt amazing!
I asked what it was and was told is is Seraphinite on Quartz, with a trade name of Primalite.
I told the guys on the stall that I’d never seen it before and they said it was because they bought it all! They gave a tray to Robert Simmons (Book of Stones) and he has written about it.
I’ve only had this afternoon with it but I completely agree with his description. I love it.
I bought ten pieces but I’m keeping one! I may go back for more now that I’ve sat with it.
Eventually these beauties will be in the shop for £15, but you can preorder now for £12.
