Rockin’ at the Seattle Gem and Mineral Show

From coffee at Ristretto in Mount Vernon to the ferry ride home, this was a stellar day.

Visualize a nondescript building filled with temporary tables, each crammed with individual collections of gems, rocks and minerals. Reminds you of being ten years old and visiting the rock shop at the beach, right? Well, it’s still just as fun.

First there’s the visual patter of thousands of gems and minerals. Colors, shapes, stories, special finds. Then, there are the geeky rock hounds! I use the term with respect and affection. Friendly, knowledgeble, and willing to share. That’s these folks.

Such a delight to wander from room to room, bargaining and discovering special finds. This was not a jewelry-based show, so what I brought home are unusual and quirky. Will I be able to make any of these into jewelry? We shall see!