As the founder, owner, and sole Director of Crystal Case Studies Ltd, my core mission is to bring interesting, accessible, and affordable geology to crystal buyers, sellers, and enjoyers. Attendees of my workshops and talks can confirm that this is a deeply personal passion of mine. My drive to deliver accessible education, improve scientific literacy, and push for multi-level transparency within the commercial mineral sector fully incorporates and informs the sourcing and trading standards of my stock and personal collection purchasing.
Whilst working in the crystal wholesale and mineral importing sector I have had the privilege of seeing the good, the ugly, and the bad, of the global crystal importing pipeline. Our industry is unregulated and heavily nuanced, often depending heavily on international trade between developing countries and a largely Western consumer base. Like other sectors so dependant on overseas labour (such as fashion), the crystal industry is susceptible to expectations of extremely low prices, trend-driven purchasing habits, and the discovery of exciting ‘new’ finds almost-weekly.
Unfortunately, this is not how our Earth operates.
Through business with UK Crystal Wholesalers and independently, I have had the opportunity to work continuously with many suppliers and form trusting relationships with landowners and miners. When stocking for my brilliant customers, my first preference is to import from landowners and extractors directly, and all of my stock is acquired through the following channels:
1. SOURCED DIRECTLY FROM LANDOWNERS & MINERS
This is my first choice for purchasing stock, or specimens for my own collection. This option facilitates as much insight into the source environment as is possible, alongside the opportunity to receive and share media of the host geology and materials in-situ. One of my key goals for Crystal Case Studies is a Mine Visit scheme, and I am continually laying the foundations to visit and partner with trusted crystal mines and extractors.
Sourcing directly from extractors is hugely preferential in many ways, however, as a small company, I currently import small batches at elevated rates. Therefore, it’s important to note that stock sourced through this channel may sometimes be priced slightly higher than other material on the market. The supplier also receives a better rate of pay for their labour and materials. This being said, I am largely able to avoid unreasonable stock prices through not needing to accommodate for a UK Wholesalers markup within the supply chain.
2. SOURCED THROUGH TRUSTED UK-BASED WHOLESALERS
My career in crystal wholesale has cultivated numerous trusting relationships within the network of British wholesalers, and where I cannot currently source directly from landowners I opt to source through this network. In these scenarios I ensure that the third party’s trading standards mirror my own, and that the UK party maintains a close relationship with the supplier. I am proud to work closely with UK wholesalers who regularly visit their source mines, and take active participation in ensuring the wellness of their suppliers.
3. EXTRACTED MYSELF
Within my career and personal interests as a geologist, I undertake numerous field days and – where possible and appropriate – collect my own specimens. In some cases, these specimens from my personal collection may become available. Whilst I don’t intend to sell personally sourced specimens on a large scale, I believe in passing on the enjoyment of interesting geology, in reasonable quantities and at appropriate price points.