By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Erin Easton likes to call them “nature’s artwork.”

She has been collecting gemstones, fossils, glass and crystals since age 5.

What began as a childhood hobby for the Niles resident has now become her full-time job, and the items she collects have gone from small stones found locally to rare, stunning gems from all over the world.

One of her more unique pieces will be for sale Saturday and Sunday during her Silver Phoenix Jewelry and Gem Show at Pasofino’s restaurant in Niles.

It’s a 3-foot-tall, 40-pound bright purple amethyst cave with a $130 price tag – a good price, according to Easton, considering its uniqueness.

“It’s a huge, hollowed out stone, bright purple,” Easton said. “It’s just a very unique piece.”

Easton, who is studying art and business at Southwestern Michigan College, has been creating handmade jewelry for about nine years and started Silver Phoenix Jewelry in Niles in 2007.

“Most of the material is natural gemstone or high quality glass or crystal,” she said.
But don’t expect huge price tags attached to all the items.

“The one thing I really try hard to do is have something for every person in every price range,” Easton said. “There will be items from 25 cents to $175 and everywhere in between.”

This is the first time Easton will have a show at a local business, and she’s hoping it will mean increased sales for Pasofino’s and her art business.

“I just had the idea to help other businesses and share customers, which is a great thing to do in this economy,” she said.

Those who attend can register to win a amethyst, freshwater pearl necklace. Her business partner, Peter Swett, of Grand Rapids will also have silver-set pendants available for sale at the show.