Nature's Fine Art

In the heart of Vancouver is a gallery filled with stunning crystals, striking stones and rare fossils. Crystalworks is a testament to the beauty the earth has to offer and is the only gallery of its kind in Canada. With a plethora of fine minerals, it’s a destination for anyone who values unconventional treasures. “Our view was to make minerals stand out first and foremost as works of art,” says co-owner and co-founder, Karen Lipsett-Kidd.

Since 1984, Crystalworks has been hand-selecting and showcasing minerals from around the world. The gallery contracts work from master gem carvers in Peru and Indonesia, while also obtaining jewelry and other objects from fair trade companies in Bali, Madagascar, Nepal, India and locally in Canada. Lipsett-Kidd is also a jeweller, designing and creating many pieces using the crystals and minerals the gallery acquires.

This fall, Crystalworks is featuring a giant opal boulder that weighs over 300 kilograms. The opal will be cut in half and set on a display stand so people can see the exquisite and beautifully coloured veins inside. Lipsett-Kidd is delighted to say that “there is nothing like it in Canada.” This is sure to be a hit with art collectors and Crystalworks visitors. An extraordinary tumbled stone will also be exhibited. Check out new jewelry and native carvings at the annual Spirit and Stone show put on by the gallery from Oct. 8 to 31.

Recently, Crystalworks moved to a bigger and better space and renovated everything to suit their eco-friendly mandate. Using bamboo for their millwork, LED lights, rubber tiles and low VOC paint, the gallery not only looks great with a tranquil vibe, but gives the earth a sigh of relief. “It’s a Zen atmosphere — stripped down neutrals and a lot of white to show off the minerals,” says Lipsett-Kidd.

Patrons can also purchase the items they fall in love with at Crystalworks. Some stones cost only a few dollars, while larger, scarce pieces can cost much more. “There are items under $100 and pieces over $100,000. We have an extraordinary price range,” says Lipsett-Kidd. “We really want people to have a piece from the gallery and it doesn’t matter what price.” She adds that Crystalworks is one-quarter store and three-quarters gallery space. Some people like to spend hours just looking around like it’s a museum — which the owners love. Visitors are encouraged to wander through, and sometimes, even touch the items. It’s a hands-on connection that is highly frowned upon by other museums and galleries.

Founded by Lipsett-Kidd and her mother, Susan Lipsett, Crystalworks has evolved from a small, home-operated business to a world-class gallery that remains a family enterprise. “We’re owner operated and run, so you’re going to meet one of the owners. There’s me, my sister, my mother and my sister-in-law. We are passionate about it and we love our gallery space.” •

Crystalworks, 1760 West 3rd Ave., Vancouver, 604-732-3870, crystalworks.ca.