Christopher J. Nohl
Today I am a lapidary artist, the Treasurer of the Wisconsin Geological Society, and feel quite blessed to be a Co-Curator of a Collection that includes many of the finest minerals ever found on earth. To me, fine minerals are much more than rocks, they are constant reminders of the beauty and order that arise if we just leave nature to its own course. When everything in life seems disordered and irrational, I have only to admire fine minerals to restore a transcendental awareness within me that at the heart of it all is geometry and its love affair with light. There I find comfort and inspiration. Throughout my life I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to be mentored by experts and giants in the fields of faceting, gemology, mining, and minerology. To all those who have helped educate me, living and departed, I owe eternal thanks. Chrysalis has built an excellent research library over the years which I frequently have the pleasure of consulting, benefiting and building from experts who have come and gone. Each week I look at between 200 and 3,000 new specimens to keep my awareness of quality and pricing as fresh as possible. I have an ongoing project in the study of historical mineral values and of the factors affecting the fine mineral market. It is very rewarding to me to impart knowledge to others and to watch and see the faces and hear the exclamations of people, young and old, as they discover what I already love. If this is your first foray into fine minerals then I am envious of everything that lay before you, and if you already are well seasoned in the aesthetics and science of fine minerals then I say, “welcome back.”
Shannon J. Graewin
My love of minerals and gemstones comes from the fact that distinct scientific rules and geological conditions yield naturally formed pieces with color, aesthetics, and composition rivaling the best modern art. I find that many pieces have a level of complexity that I can return to examine and each time a new, beautiful detail reveals itself. I love the effect of a gorgeous mineral on my mantle and have found that this is often a great conversation starter for our guests, especially if they are people I don’t yet know well. Nearly every day, I read about the mineral localities and am instantly transported to cultures and environments of distant lands that I likely would not have discovered otherwise. A mentor once commented that we never really own a mineral, we are simply a caretaker of a piece that was formed millions of years ago and will remain long after we are gone. I did work on the mineral descriptions and write-ups so if there are any additional comments or corrections, please feel free to discuss with me so that the best information can stay with the minerals.
Kim Markert
My name is Kim Markert, I am the Gallery manager for Chrysalis. I hand pick all the minerals and gemstones, which will be aesthetically arranged in the gallery showcases, to ensure that each piece will have significance and variety for each of our customers. By creating an outstanding mineral showplace for all to admire, the beauty of earth’s creations. The gemstones have become my passion, as they display next to the mineral from which they were cut.