As with most people, my interests started out as a hobby several years ago.  I started making cabochons and picked up silversmithing not too long after.  Learning silversmithing was key as it allowed me to produce a finished product which makes for a rewarding experience. 

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I purchase my rough from gem and mineral shows and by private collecting.  I regularly attend the largest gem and mineral show in the world held in Tucson each year.  I also occasionally go to Quartzite and the Denver shows and I definitely attend local shows as well.  Some of the material I have is self collected, usually from tailing piles from abandoned copper mines, washes out in the desert or anywhere else I happen to be exploring. 

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Purchasing material is quite the experience and a lot of fun. Over the years, I have become much better at sourcing quality rough at reasonable prices.  This allows me to pass the savings to my customers so they can afford quality finished pieces whether its a cabochon or a piece of jewelry!