Hi! I’m Crystal. Welcome to Gem of a Story, my blog about books and jewelry. I’m glad that you’re here, and hope you’ll stay a while.

I love books for the stories they tell, the questions they ask, and what they can teach us about others and ourselves. I love fine jewelry for its lasting power and ability to be passed on through generations, carrying memories and history.

I have been obsessed with both books and jewelry for as long as I can remember. As a child, I often would shut myself in a room and read for hours (needless to say, I’m an introvert!), and I also had a very impressive collection of sticker earrings.

These days, I enjoy reading literary fiction, especially if it has elements of speculative fiction, witty humor, or a dash of magical realism. I enjoy collecting and admiring jewelry from different time periods and locations, and have a weakness for colorful stones and yellow gold.

I’ve lived in Seattle for almost 15 years and love it here. When I’m not reading or fawning over jewelry, you can find me trying a new bubble tea shop, enjoying the Pacific Northwest nature with my husband (hiking, backpacking, paddle boarding, kayaking), or enjoying a great cup of coffee.