Am I Crazy or "Just" Addicted/Obsessed?

[minousbijoux]

Are there others who just want to immerse themselves in colored stones, satisfied to have them come and go?

Like many others, without fail, I read every thread in Colored Stones, occasionally venturing over to RT, DH, and SMTB. Every time someone gets a new stone they love, I get really happy. Then I think I "need" one/some. Many times, I have acted on the impulse and gone on a binge.

Over time, I've realized that I'm not going to do anything with many of the stones I've purchased/won/been given. While I love the innovation and creativity of those who design their own stuff (Uppy's earrings, Faegrace's green tourmaline ring by Michael E, FallenRox's beautiful engagement ring in the works designed by her SO/fiance, Kismet's opal ring with the gorgeous handcrafted gold filigree, Kelpie's Sinister Ring, etc.), it will be few stones that I actually set. Partly due to the cost, partly due to the discipline and commitment required. Until recently, I thought of selling them, but was too busy with a long commute and an intense job (oh, and teenagers ); the thought of waiting in line at the post office was like purgatory.

So unfortunately, I recently lost my job. While I am concerned financially (I am the sole provider for my kids with no independent wealth), the thought that makes me happy is having the time to sell stones. Not the purgatory part (still can't get over that), but the part of taking photos, and having them come out well, loading them on to DB, and making someone happy. Every time I log on to DB, and see I've gotten a message, I get a little thrill. Am I making money? Of course not, as I pretty much sell them at cost or below. But I feel like a bit of a matchmaker, and if someone loves a stone I sell, then I feel so satisfied! Oh, and what will I do with the proceeds? Plow them right back into new stones, I'm sure...

Is this familiar to anyone else? Am I a loon, or is there a strange satisfaction others get as well? I would post this over in the Preloved Jewels section, but it seems that the predominance there is diamond afficionados, while the colored stone nuts are right here...

I can't wait to hear from others on this...

 

[Pandora II]

Given the large sums and infinite hours I have spent in the past 4 years on equipment, books, stones and qualifying as a gemmologist (specialised in coloured stones) I guess I'm crazy, addicted and obsessed!

My parents even invited a friend of theirs who was a jeweller in the 1960/70s over for dinner at xmas so that we could talk gems together... spent 30 minutes talking to him on the phone this afternoon discussing emerald mines in Colombia.

It's a passion for me and something that never ceases to make me happy!

Oh, I do dislike the going part... as my husband says, Pandora is really a dragon with a cave of treasure and woe betide the person who imagines that they could separate the two!

 

[ChrisA222]

Hi! I am brand new here..nice to find others who are addicted to stones like me. I started collecting gems about a year ago and I have filled up three gem trays already. 32 gems in a tray...LOL! Now, they aren't all expensive...they are anything from a 99 cent lucky find on Ebay to my best stone, which is a sweet 6+ct Cambodian Blue Zircon (my favorite stone of all). Im not into jewelry much, I'm a guy so I'm kind of restricted in what I can wear. I did have a custom made ring with green diamonds, but that is about it.

I have to admit, the main reason why I'm responding to this post is because I'd love to look at what you are selling, but I have no clue what you are referring to as DB to look at your offerings. I only know of Ebay and Craigslist. Im not allowed to post my email address but if you look at my username and add an @ and then the free email service that begins with a Y you will have my email address. LOL. I am sorry for being so ignorant but I haven't a clue what DB is.

Anyways I'm a lurker here and love to look at the stones. It seems that most people on here are really into specific cuts/cutters which I found really interesting. All of my stones are what I would call "native cuts" so probably wouldn't get much love here. I was lucky enough to find Dan Stair online and he is re-cutting a few of my nicer, bigger stones that showed promise beyond what their cut provided. He's doing a cool pale green zircon and an awesome yellow 4+ct Sphene. THen I will be able to "join the club". Haha!

Ok, if anyone wants to direct me where I can find some of whats available for sale, aside from where I saw the vendors listed, let me know. Thanks!!

 

[T L]

Minous,
So sorry about your job situation. I've been addicted to stones since I was ten. As a person who loves art and science, I think these beautiful crystals from the earth satiate my desires, and I never cease to be amazed and enchanted by them. I know some people don't understand, but I can't understand the love of say, shoes or purses, as those are made by man, and not by nature. Gems have also lived in the earth for millions and even billions of years, so one can really hold onto something that arrived when the earth was still forming. I'm also enamored with gold and platinum for the same reasons (they were born in supernova explosions) as all chemical elements heavier than iron.

I have a lot of unset stones too, but I am planning on doing several projects and most will be set. I have been more particular with my purchases lately, and am enjoying lots of multiple stone rings as a more economical way of enjoying them all at once. They are also something I can pass down that my children can remember me by.

 

[minousbijoux]

Thank you for the nice posts.

Pandora: I love your parents! I wish I could've been part of your conversation about emerald mines in Colombia. That is one of the next stones on my wish list. As a matter of fact, I really wish you lived in the States - for someone so young, you have some great travels, photos, and adventures to share.

Chrissa222: checkout the Preloved Jewels section of the Pricescope Cafe. That will get you where you want to go, there are other places where folks sell their stones and jewelry.

TL: thanks for your kind wishes about my job. That's life, right? But back to gem talk! I love what you said about leaving them to your kids. I imagine that your kids will remember your glittery, sparkly and bejeweled hands. Something like "remember how when Mom used to move her hands how everything would be so blinding?"

 

[innerkitten]

I have really really slowed down my jewelry and gemstone purchases over the last year. As a result I now own more shoes .

There are stones in my collection I will probably never get around to setting, oh well, they're fun to look at. I'm really into the design aspect of jewelry these days just not feeling the need to buy as much.

 

[distracts]

I don't feel the need to set all my stones. Yes, I have ideas for all of them, but I enjoy them a whole lot just loose, so I am just interested in setting them when I really feel it's right. I have two stones that I know for sure how I'll set (a tsavorite garnet for a bezel stacking ring in silver, and a peridot for a LOGR lotus ring in gold), and one stone that I am actively searching for either setting ideas or sidestones for (an oval, icy blue sapphire). I have a few other nice things that I just enjoy looking at, and lots of okay things that I like to look at and practice my own rudimentary setting skills on.

I also am addicted to watching things on ebay that I have no intention of buying. It satisfies some of my desires having to do with gemstones, without spending any money.

 

[NKOTB]

I only started collecting just under a year ago. I will cut coupons, eat cheaply, wear old crappy winter boots, etc. so I can blow the money on gems. I'm with TL on the fascination of these beauties coming from the earth, etc. Plus I'm fascinated by what some of the cutters can do with them (I love the traditional-like cuts, but the more designer cuts are really amazing, though not always within my budget). I had my iPhone out at a New Year's party doing a small "info session" with some friends, talking about things like how garnets come in different colours, showing them different cuts, etc. - it was a total high. My niece's last book she took out from the library (she's was on gems, and when my sister told her I had a collection, she got really excited. I tend to keep it on the down low as I worry about what others will think (materialistic, ostentatious, impractical, etc.) but my best friend told me last night I should just embrace the passion! I love when other posters are looking for a very specific stone and find it (e.g. Uppy's spess, Athenaworth's Mahenge...s, lol), and enjoy watching the setting process. I get a really excited, happy feeling looking at my box of sparklies. I feel like Gollum from Lord of The Rings sometimes. My Precious(es)... Some I can't wait to set, some I'm scared to set in case something happens to them, or I end up not liking the setting for some reason down the road (as jewelry styles tend to come and go, but the stones will always look good).

So, I guess if you're a loon, you're in good company.

Sorry to hear about your job loss as well. Hope something else (maybe even better) turns up soon.

 

[GemFever]

Sorry to hear about the job, good luck with getting a new one!

I definitely can identify with wanting to have time to take beautiful pics of your stones, to give them all attention. I keep meaning to do that... I want to start a photo album of all my gems, with nice descriptions, specs, dates of purchase, prices... and I want this to be an actual printed album, so I can flip through it sometimes. That way, it may be easier for me to part with some stones, since I will still have a record and memory of them. (I'm not brave enough to sell yet, but I do like to give them away as presents (usually set in something simple)).

NKOTB: Your description of saving money just so you can buy gems totally rings a bell. I can't force myself to save on everything, but clothes, shoes and other accessories are usually the first to go.

And I agree about trying to keep a low profile... but recently a friend asked me for advice on getting a ruby for an engagement ring, and I just went on and on... She was very impressed, and I suddenly felt useful

In any case, PS is a wonderful place for us

 

[athenaworth]

I describe my CS addiction (and sparkly in general - who am I kidding) as a "very expensive hobby." I love learning everything I can. I gobble it up. And I love the thrill of the hunt. I never knew how much would be involved in CS but man am I glad I got involved in it.

ETA a note to NKOTB

 

[pregcurious]

Sorry about your job minous. I hope you're able to find something quickly.

I also read all the posts on CS, and then make my way over the RT, Jewelry Pieces, SMTB, and Hangout. I don't buy much because I've been very underwhelmed by a ring I had made for quite a bit of money, and it has put a damper on the way I see custom work and collecting stones. I still enjoy coming here, however, to learn about stones and commune with PSers.

I'm looking forward to your postings in the Preloved section.

 

[Michael_E]

When I was a child of 8 or so, I used to visit a place on the Oregon coast with my family and one of my uncles, (who was a lapidary hobbyist), would take us for walks on the beach looking for agates. The highlight of the trip was always the visit to a rock shop farther on down the coast, where the owner was a lapidary who preferred opals. Those trips really got to me, standing in front of those display cases and watching those opals flickering and changing colors with every movement I made. I never did get over it and have decided that it's not really an addiction, but more of a psychosis brought on by flashing colored lights, (the same things happens when watching an aurora, but I can't take that home with me). The bad part of this is that the changes wrought in your mind by this psychosis are permanent and you now have no ability to resist them...the music from the "Twilight Zone" is playing now in the background.

 

[NKOTB]

I only started collecting just under a year ago. I will cut coupons, eat cheaply, wear old crappy winter boots, etc. so I can blow the money on gems. I'm with TL on the fascination of these beauties coming from the earth, etc. Plus I'm fascinated by what some of the cutters can do with them (I love the traditional-like cuts, but the more designer cuts are really amazing, though not always within my budget). I had my iPhone out at a New Year's party doing a small "info session" with some friends, talking about things like how garnets come in different colours, showing them different cuts, etc. - it was a total high. My niece's last book she took out from the library (she's was on gems, and when my sister told her I had a collection, she got really excited. I tend to keep it on the down low as I worry about what others will think (materialistic, ostentatious, impractical, etc.) but my best friend told me last night I should just embrace the passion! I love when other posters are looking for a very specific stone and find it (e.g. Uppy's spess, Athenaworth's Mahenge...s, lol), and enjoy watching the setting process. I get a really excited, happy feeling looking at my box of sparklies. I feel like Gollum from Lord of The Rings sometimes. My Precious(es)... Some I can't wait to set, some I'm scared to set in case something happens to them, or I end up not liking the setting for some reason down the road (as jewelry styles tend to come and go, but the stones will always look good).

So, I guess if you're a loon, you're in good company.

Sorry to hear about your job loss as well. Hope something else (maybe even better) turns up soon.

Btw, this was supposed to say my niece is 8, not whatever that emoticon is, tho it does look "bookish" I s'pose...

 

[colorluvr]

Whatever you call it, I think you are on the right forum!

 

[kt]

Minou, i'm so sorry to hear about your job and as a corporate drone who's been there I truly empathize!

I'm relatively new to full-on CS, but i've ALWAYS loved jewelry, even as a little girl. For a few years, I actually made lots of gemstone beaded jewelry that I sold at craft fairs, Etsy etc. - and I focused on relatively more expensive/high end beads, not the cloudy, included stuff you find at lots of bead shows. (had to stop that hobby after I had my daughter a few years ago...just no time!!!)

I just got caught up in jewelry again recently be/c I bought myself a sapphire ring and started reading this forum, and now I do the same thing as NKOTB - I bring my lunch, I've stopped buying new clothes and shoes, I've (sort of) ended my high-end handbag habit - so I can buy new pieces. But I do need to be careful that I don't go too crazy/obsessed and buy things I won't wear! I love all the colors that gemstones come in, I love reading about them, and I wonder if I should think about a career change to do something with jewelry and/or watches since I really do enjoy the stuff and my little jewelry "business" when I had the time!

And, I should add, I just bought that AWESOME color change sapphire from Minou, and I can't wait to get that set as well! Thanks again Minou!

 

[Arkteia]

Minousbijoux - I am very sorry that you have lost a job. You come across as a wonderful person, and it is always sad when life treats someone nice the hard way. Most sincerely, I wish you to find a job soon... It may be optimistic, but it seems that the economy is very slowly recovering, so I hope things look brighter your way.

I haven't been posting recently and feel bad because no doubt people have shown their newer stones and projects, and I can not express my admiration. I decided not to post any longer because my photos were not up to par with what other people did. Perhaps if I can organize better photography (some of my friends are amazing photographers), I shall start posting again. Also, I have too many unset stones.
And now that I am not posting and not looking at other pictures, I am definitely less obsessed. A year ago, it seemed not to matter whether it was an $ 100 or an $ 5K stone, they looked nice on the screen and could be bought with one click. As I am away from it,
it gave me some focus... But now that you have mentioned DB...

 

[happybear]

Minou, so sorry to hear about your job. I am sure things will turn for the better soon.

I have just recently been bit by this colored stones bug and have been collecting for a few months now. In fact, I purchased the pair of BB tourmaline and chrysoberyl from Minou (thank you ) and is waiting for its arrival. I admit though, that I have no idea what-so-ever on how to set some of the stones I have purchased. But I do find joy in just looking at them. During the weekends when there is nothing to do, I will just bring out my stones to look at them, admiring their color and cut and thinking the best setting it would go to. Each time I do this, DH will just roll his eyes though when the mood strikes him, he too will join me briefly and ask what stone is this and that (I doubt he remembers anything I tell him though.... ).

Like kt, I used to do beading and likes to make jewellery for fun. I've never sold any but love doing stuff to give to friends and loved ones. So in a way, this is an extension of that, though I must say, it is an expensive hobby!

pregcurious, which project has made you underwhelmed? Do share.....

 

[TristanC]

I was very nearly bitten by the bug. Which would have been disastrous.

The only saving grace was... I figured there wasn't a point as I would never set them. Also I wasn't into jewelry for myself (men are here). And no matter how many gems I bought, I wouldn't match the collection of a decent sized jewelry store. And what to do with all the gems?

So I decided it was better to live vicariously. I only pick up an FCD now and again when it calls to me. Each is a reasonably big ticket purchase, so maybe one a year, if I had a good year and that would be it.

I like that rate of acquisition, and it works out for me. If you stay away from Forums, the hobby in question seems MUCH less pressing. As you are not living and breathing the hobby all spare hours of your day.

But its fun. Life without hobbies is boring.

BTW, I'm really sorry you lost your job, and hope things pick up for you. At least things are looking better in your neck of the woods, and you're not in Europe where there seems to be more uncertainty

 

[VapidLapid]

While one can be both crazy and an addict I don't think you are either really. you have an interest which grew to a passion. You researched and learned about your subject which makes you appreciation for it deeper. Perhaps you over-indulged a bit in the exploratory stage but that can be remedied, and your selling of stones you dont think are right for you in the long term is a side of that. Still those were good learning stones and better. You say in one of your listings that you bought the stones to practice bezeling. I read in to that an interest in learning to fabricate jewelry. I would be glad to send you some basic tools and reference materials enough for you to start, since you have a little free time. I am sorry to hear about the job, but another will find you, I am quite certain you are amazing at what you do.

Arkteia: Your absence was conspicuous, and you are greatly missed. Your perspective and your projects all have been greatly valued here. I hope you find the will to come back and contribute your thought, your knowledge, your insight and your experience.

 

[Imdanny]

My grandmother had a small jewelry box with her best stuff in it. I was a child and one day she emptied the whole box- gold, diamonds, gems on her bed. It was a beautiful and almost magical experience. I love all of this stuff and have almost my whole life.

I never excelled at math and science, but I aced earth science. I love precious metals. I love diamonds. I love all gems other than diamonds. And above all, I love jewels.

Am I crazy, addicted, or obsessed? Well, I believe that while the human imagination might be infinite, each of us can hold only so many thoughts about so many subjects at one time. We have to specialize, if you will.

So, my hobbies have been cars, audiophile stuff (music), literature, cars, and jewelry. You want to see this kind of craziness? See Mr. Toad of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride fame (yes, the Disney version, I was born in Tampa, my grandparents always lived there, it's a short ride from Disney World- sue me!) and his "motormania."

In fact, that's me with cars. He's so crazy about motorcars that he neglects his affairs and winds up hauled before a judge (and sentenced to hell- oh my!- let's hope I can avoid that part, at least). Life is like that ride- you're headed straight for something, and at the last minute, the doors open, and you are reprieved, until it happens again. LOL.

I'm sorry to hear about your job loss. SO was unemployed through absolutely no fault of his own for 18 months when that whole thing hit. I feel so sorry for the fact that so many people need jobs, and such, and don't have what they need, just for survival right now. I'll hold a good thought for you that you can get another job soon!

In the meantime, you should in no way deny yourself pleasure from your hobby. The world is a very hard place. This hobby boils down to beautiful things the earth has produced and human craftsmanship. They're both essential and here to stay. I think we would be crazy not to enjoy them.

 

[Pandora II]

Thank you for the nice posts.

Pandora: I love your parents! I wish I could've been part of your conversation about emerald mines in Colombia. That is one of the next stones on my wish list. As a matter of fact, I really wish you lived in the States - for someone so young, you have some great travels, photos, and adventures to share.

Chrissa222: checkout the Preloved Jewels section of the Pricescope Cafe. That will get you where you want to go, there are other places where folks sell their stones and jewelry.

TL: thanks for your kind wishes about my job. That's life, right? But back to gem talk! I love what you said about leaving them to your kids. I imagine that your kids will remember your glittery, sparkly and bejeweled hands. Something like "remember how when Mom used to move her hands how everything would be so blinding?"

The guy was very involved with the Muzo mine... he brought some of his rocks over to show me and OMG, I'm not big on emeralds but these were world-class. He was also a designer and did commissions that were in the £hundreds of thousands so looking through his portfolio was amazing.

I'm not sure how young you think I am? Let's just say that I'm 40 this year, geez that looks old seeing it written down! I started collecting when I was around 7 (minerals).

One thing I've never understood is why collecting gemstones is seen as quite an extravagant hobby and yet buying shoes and bags is deemed totally normal. I think I own 2 bags - both bought on eBay for a pittance, they're leather but not branded and I will replace them when they fall apart... as it is, 99% of the time I use a NorthFace backpack as it doubles as a baby-bag. I only have about 6 pairs of shoes and I always buy them in the sale or at outlets. I buy quality that lasts but not labels.

Instead, I have gems in boxes - and I will still have gems in boxes when other people's Balenciaga bags and Louboutin shoes are biodegrading in landfill somewhere...

 

[JewelFreak]

[

Pandora]Instead, I have gems in boxes - and I will still have gems in boxes when other people's Balenciaga bags and Louboutin shoes are biodegrading in landfill somewhere

Precisely, Pandora! You will -- and those you don't feel like keeping, you can sell to buy new ones, which is pretty hard with an old used-up pair of shoes, lol.

Minou, I think people with a passion are the lucky ones. Something that gives great pleasure, that expands the brain, gets you involved w/others who are the same....what's nuts about that? When life is good, you can indulge & get an emotional high; when it's not so hot, you can escape into its overwhelming beauty. If you're crazy, you have a whole lot of company! Keep the faith -- our lives may be beautifully saturated, but they have small areas of extinction; you're such a smart soul, I can tell from your posts -- yours will sparkle again soon.

watching those opals flickering and changing colors with every movement I made. I never did get over it and have decided that it's not really an addiction, but more of a psychosis brought on by flashing colored lights, (the same things happens when watching an aurora, but I can't take that home with me). The bad part of this is that the changes wrought in your mind by this psychosis are permanent and you now have no ability to resist them

Eery, Michael -- I felt the same as a kid, from my earliest memories! Even when I went to the dime store (dating myself!) with my mother, the costume jewelry drew me right in with its sparkling. I was entranced by the sparkle of snow in streetlights, ditto for the glitter of silica in sidewalks. Decided I was born psychotic. I don't remember a time when I could pass a jewelry store window without plastering my nose against it -- still do.

--- Laurie

 

[chrono]

Minous,
Sorry about your work troubles. It's a really rough time for so many Americans at the moment. As for gems, I prefer to term it as "passion" which carries a better connotation than addicted or obsessed. It's called giving those gems away to a good home where they will be better appreciated, rather than wilting away in some dark corner of your home alone.

 

[minousbijoux]

Wow, once again I am tickled by the depth of the responses. I never get tired of hearing stories about you all when you first realized you had the passion - Michael e, I would love to have been there to see the opals and JF, I too, used to like anything that sparkled at the five and dime store (does that date me even more?) Arkteia: so happy to know you are around and good for you for taking a breather and finding happiness elsewhere. Please don't ever think your photos aren't good enough. My God, woman, you have been one of my stalwarts and one of the few who always posted photos and had me wondering how you did it so well...

VL: you are truly a very kind soul. I would take you up on your offer, but I already have tools, having taken courses for a while, and believe it or not realized that I was not patient enough to solder, bezel or prong set really well. Perhaps when I am older being as I am so young now ( ), and I don't have teenagers around, and I have the pleasure of retirement with plenty of free time, I will take it up again. But for now, I leave it to the truly talented like you.

In summary, I am Passionate and I am Proud!

Oh, and if anyone wants some tourmalines which are brown in most lighting, I will be posting them on DB within the next few days and sending them free (yes, my gift, and I'll pay shipping!) to someone who likes brown...

 

[MissStepcut]

Am I obsessed? I dreamed about this thread and dreamed in responses that aren't here!

 

[minousbijoux]

Giving those gems away to a good home where they will be better appreciated, rather than wilting away in some dark corner of your home alone.

Aww, when you say it like that...

 

[Barrett]

Oh Minous, so so sorry to hear about your job. Unlike many people out there you ARE the sole provider with kids. Thats a heavy burden to carry! I feel for you and am so sorry.

It's hard times like these that may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. Take your passion and run with it. Stick with stones! You know a lot about them and could do well selling them if you so choose. In 2008 I went through some trouble and lost my job. I took $250, which was all I had, and parlayed that into a $7,000-$9,000 a month sales on ebay alone. All it took was that spark and great passion. When you get to do something you absolutely love then you go above and beyond what you normally would do at a regular job. Take that desire and passion and run with it. It's now or never. Stick with what you love and you will never have to work again because your passion and hobby is not work when it's fun.

You are not alone and have many friends across the boards. Try opening an ebay store, keep selling on DB, try a couple sales over at GO, head to Facebook and try some things there. I see ole Jason Brims and many others selling loads of stones on there. Contact some dealers overseas and start buying direct from them or from cutting houses or from precision cutters here in the states. You have got to take this passion and desire and love of stones and run with it. The time for a new start and new career is NOW!

Good luck and if you need anything find me on FB!

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

I am obsessed and have spent too much money in the last few years. I don't get crazy with it but the money would have been better spent elsewhere. I have a secret heart that really lights up at the sight of my beautiful gems and diamonds. I know it is crazy, but I do love them so much. I admit too that I am happy when I sell something and someone is thrilled with their purchase. But I get really sad when I paid over 1K for something and cannot sell if for $275 OBO when I know that the metal and diamonds are worth far more. Then I realize that if I need to liquidate for expenses I am basically SOL. That's when I start to question my priorities.

I am sorry for your job loss. I hope that you get something better in the near future. Sending good thoughts your way!

 

[LD]

Awwwww Minous I love your attitude. I love the way you're playing matchmaker - what a cool way to see the situation.

Unfortunately I'm not as generous in thought as you and so selfishly hang on to everything and can't part with even the ugliest, windowed, bad cut, included, horrible gemstone! Partly because they aid as a "never do that again you moron LD" lesson but also because they make me chuckle - oh and nobody would buys those disasters anyway!

Funnily enough, I go through peaks / troughs of obsessions and craziness with gemstones. Sometimes I see a gem and search high and low until I find THE one and at other times I think "why on earth do I need another piece of coloured rock" (but that doesn't last long)!

It's an expensive obsession but I've met some great like-minded people and it's great to talk about a shared passion. What is interesting is how it's developed over the years and how our conversations and learnings change to accommodate what's happening in the market place. I like the fact that it's non-stop learning. How cool would if be if we all lived fairly near to each other and could meet in a safe place and play with each others gems!

 

[distracts]

One thing I've never understood is why collecting gemstones is seen as quite an extravagant hobby and yet buying shoes and bags is deemed totally normal.

Instead, I have gems in boxes - and I will still have gems in boxes when other people's Balenciaga bags and Louboutin shoes are biodegrading in landfill somewhere...

Because shoes and bags are something everyone buys, even poor people. You can only buy gems if you have excess money. (Probably excess money that you got by skipping the $1000 purses and shoes.)

I also think a lot of people don't understand hobbies that aren't "normal." Being completely obsessed with sports and memorizing the names and stats of every basketball player in America - that's completely normal! Being obsessed with Star Trek and knowing every detail of every episode - what a weirdo! Being obsessed with gemstones and knowing all their properties even though you're not a jeweler/lapidary - what a waste! Despite the fact that all of these things are actually equally useless. They all bring joy to the people who do them, and all cause them to spend money. Why is dropping $400 on a ticket to a sports game more valid than spending $400 on a gem? It's really not. Just remember that - this is an interest that entertains you and stimulates your mind, and those are good to have.

How cool would if be if we all lived fairly near to each other and could meet in a safe place and play with each others gems!

LD, I don't think my fiance would appreciate me playing with other people's gems.