[Jewelry making - Article 00170] - Re: [Orchid] Orchidians in Madison

[Peter W . Rowe]

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>     After being used to Burnie's rock shop, I was certainly
>     overwhelmed the first time I went to Metalliferous!

    Burnies can be deceptive, or at least, it used to be that way.  The
    tools and equipment is about what you expect.  Standard catalog fare
    for mostly the hobbyists, a bit more for the lapidary stuff, but not
    a serious jewelery supply. And the cut gems vary a good deal, ranging
    from standard fare to the occasional really unusual item.  But
    underneath it all, beneath the expected flashy kitch and stuff, is
    the heart of a true rockhound:  Burnie.   Many of the real "gems",
    and what sets Burnies quite apart from some other rock shops, or
    Metaliferous, are in the bins of slabs and rough.  It helps to know
    what you're looking for. Some of that stuff has been there for 30
    years, under appreciated,  or unrecongnized by most of the students
    and hobbyists who go in there, and in some cases,  rare agates and
    jaspers that are normally totally unavailable now, from sources long
    ago played out.   There's not all that much of this sort of stuff,
    but it's there, if you look.  Don't under rate Burnies.  Yeah, to
    make the business run, they've got to cater to all the types who want
    the common flashy stuff, as well as the students who need the cheaper
    basics, and thats fine. But there are some real finds to be had if
    you take the time.  Or at least I saw stuff of that description only
    a few short years ago.   Some of it I recongized as having been still
    there from when I worked there the summer of 1970... 

Peter


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