New shop is a lure for rockhounds

For the rockhounds among us, Nature's Bling on South Elm Street (across the street from U.S. Bank) is a place to meet others of a similar ilk. It's also a great place for those who like to let someone else find the stones, preferring to run their hands through already polished rock, likewise searching for that perfect specimen.

The store has rocks and gemstones from around the world for sale and on display, with owners who have knowledge and passion for the Earth's treasures.

Marc and Jennifer Taylor and their sons Quentin, 10, and Michael, 3, moved to Sisters in February. They brought their expertise in rocks and minerals with them, having honed their skills at a shop in Yachats, Oregon. Marc is a self-confessed "rock nerd" who spent his boyhood searching for beach agates, putting his rock collection on display at school. He is a hands-on guy who learned as he went, listening to experts and looking at a lot of rocks. His eye is now experienced enough to ascertain where many stones are sourced just by looking at them.

Jennifer is a book-learner who is currently studying for her certification in gemology from the International Gemalogical Society. The qualification will enable her to grade the quality of gemstones in the store, and customers may also bring their own stones in for assessment.

The family travels for several weeks each year, sourcing their stones. They work directly with several mine owners around the world, making sure the stones are ethically sourced. Through an interview process, they are able to ascertain that proper safety procedures are used in the mines and that the end products are truly handmade.

The Taylors homeschool their boys, enabling them to travel and to attend the large international gem and mineral shows in Tucson and Denver. The boys know their favorite pieces in the store and are happy to lead customers to them.

One of their favorite places is the Dino Dig, located in the courtyard behind the store. For $5, children of all ages can dig for real fossils, keeping what they find and going home with a description of what they've found.

Nature's Bling isn't just a place to purchase rocks. There is a museum feel to many of the displays, none of which are behind glass. On the back wall is an entire jaw of a prehistoric dinosaur called a Monasaur, sourced from Morocco. Estimated to be between 85-115 million years old, it was discovered by a Moroccan paleontologist and acquired by the Taylors. It is available for purchase, but most customers will be content with gazing at a perfectly preserved piece of ancient history.

There are giant crystal formations, gems, rare finds and more among the 4,000-plus items in the store. All are able to be touched. Prices are set at close to wholesale due to the Taylor's ability to work directly with the sources.

Local and Northwest artists have gemstone jewelry and art pieces on display.

And if directions to prime rockhounding spots are needed, the Taylors can help. They know of many accessible places that aren't very far from Sisters. Nature's Bling is located at 208 S. Elm St. and can also be found on Facebook.