In 1969 my father, George, and I started "The Stone Corner". Along with my interest in minerals, he had been cutting stones and the combined hobbies were taking control!
In the early days we operated from home, importing shipments of specimens and rough stone from such exotic lands as Madagascar, India, Mexico and South Africa.
Our enthusiasm continued to grow and our first shop opened in 1972 at 21 High Street with my mother, Valerie, adding stone jewellery and other attractive lines to the stock. We moved here to 42a High Street, Hastings in 1975.
An early passion for gem minerals and materials led to studying for the Gemmological Association’s diploma in 1972. After finishing a few years of study and research in mineral processing at the Camborne School of Mines, I married Adela in December 1984 and mercilessly dragged her away from her beloved Cornwall to join the family crew.
Adela and I run Stone Corner with the help of Tia and our daughter, Tasha. |