Stephen and Darlene Newstrom, owners of The Village Smithy Opals, Inc., during an opal buying trip to New South Wales, Australia.
For more than five decades, Stephen Newstrom has been living what he calls an “opal adventure.”
This unique and rewarding life is one he shares with his wife, Darlene, and as owners and operators of The Village Smithy Opal, Inc. His rockhounding origins story mirrors that of other business owners within the industry, in that he discovered his love for rockhounding as a child.
“When I was young, my father and I used to take camping trips to the north shore of Lake Superior,” said the native of Minnesota. “The purpose of the trips was mostly to collect the small Lake Superior agates along the shoreline, north of Two Harbors Minnesota. I cherish those memories!”
Those early rockhounding excursions created a passion that would evolve into a rewarding and successful profession. Several things along the way, including the gift of a B & I Gem Maker on his 14th birthday, and a hands-on introduction to opals, would become a source of great inspiration and the stuff of his dreams.
Part of Newstrom’s introduction to opals occurred in 1964, when he was just 15, with the purchase of the popular reference, “The Opal Book,” by Frank Leechman.
“While reading (The Opal Book), I had visions of a great adventure, moving to Australia and digging for opals,” he said.
If reading this book inspired great excitement and intrigue in Newstrom, then the opportunity to handle an opal only enhanced his decades-long fascination with opals.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BRIGHT SIDE OF VOLCANIC ROCK
As a mineral resource, volcanic rock is decidedly short on glamour.
The Other Copper Minerals
12 Lesser-known Collectible Species
MINERAL COLLECTING -AND ROCK & GEM
Evolving Together FOR 54 YEARS
Gemstone Trends
A Look Back at 2024 & What to Expect in 2025
How to Make a GEM BEAD NECKLACE
No Lapidary Experience Needed!
Framing Nature's Art
Faceting Rutilated Quartz for Beginners
BEDAZZLED BLUE SEAM AGATE
More than several centuries ago, mining was the profession most often seen as befitting of men.
ROCK & GEM FIELD GUIDE:
Spinel is a captivating gemstone with a rich history of being mistaken for gems like ruby and sapphire.
SNAKE SCALE DROP 1.5:1
This Faceting Focus is revisiting the briolette gemstone design because of its popularity with independent and hobby gemstone faceters.
STONE CHIC
How Earth-Inspired Decor Brings Comfort to our Home