Art Chowder July | August 2021 Issue No. 34 Issue 34 | Page 37

exciting to bring into their lives . We have many customers who make all kinds of jewelry and they come in for stones or supplies .”

· Geologists come in just to be around rocks and rock people — sometimes to pick up books and check out our interesting collection of rocks .

· Prospectors and rockhounds come in to buy maps , tools , and other treasure-

hunting supplies .

· Artists and hobbyists come in looking for equipment , tools , supplies , and guidance .

Rock , gem , and crystal collectors are everything from jewelry makers , collectors of specimens and decorative pieces , to people practicing metaphysical or healing arts .
When asked , as one of Spokane ’ s premier gem cutters , what are the strangest items they have been brought to work on , Liz shared , “ I have had the opportunity to work on a lot of interesting stones , but sometimes people bring in the most unexpected things to cut . We have cut and polished brick , pavement , pieces of glass from Aunt Donna ’ s favorite old vase , and more . It is very satisfying to do these sorts of sentimental pieces . The pavement came from the undercarriage of a couple ’ s car after they walked away unharmed from a serious car wreck . The brick came from a naval academy and was incorporated into a pendant with mother and son
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