This past weekend, I enjoyed an afternoon surrounded by sparkle and spirit at the Gem Expo and Meta Expo, hosted at the Hyatt Hotel on King West in downtown Toronto. Held three times a year, Gem Expo presents purveyors of raw and processed precious & semi-precious stones, pearls and other geological treasures, along with a selection of jewellery designers offering rings, necklaces, earrings for all tastes and wallets. 
I made am immediate jewellery “love connection” with Abby from Coyote Tales, a talented craftswoman who travelled down to the city from Harcourt, way up north! Abby makes unique pieces in copper and silver and I picked out one of her rings which she is now customizing for me in my size (bottom pic). Wow! www.coyotetales.ca 
Quebec-based designer Luce Gilbert displayed so many gorgeous pieces, especially the delicate blue Amazonite. Needless to say, I caved and purchased a lovely (and affordable) pair of earrings. www.lucegilbert.com
There were lots of visitors gathered around the tables loaded with glitz and bling….
… and have you ever seen what raw emeralds and rubies look like? Here are some strands – so beautiful, along with other precious stones displayed ready for jewellers to work into their own designs of rings, earrings, necklaces.
As the exhibition hall started to fill up….
…I decided to head across the lobby to the Meta Expo, the partner show, and check out some of the metaphysical services and information there.
I immediately felt a shift in energy (and room temperature) and was swept into a world of gentle calm, helped along by soothing fragrances of incense and sweetgrass from Hamsa Heaven. www.hamsaheaven.com
I spoke briefly with Jes Savage who works in crystal therapy, Reiki, Orgone devices and past life regression. So much to learn and experience – Jes has a fabulous store on Etsy: SavageSpiritTools and is on Instagram @savage.spiti.tools so I encourage you to go check out yourselves.
There were several renowned psychics on hand to offer readings and advice…
…and I found show Founder/manager Salim Moorani taking photos of his exhibitors (below) as they worked on visitors seeking enlightenment and healing.
I spent some time chatting with the delightful Alexandra of Shea Haus Apothecary whose unique candle designs got me thinking of my hospitality clients and the potential for using them for wedding decor and bridal favours. Very affordable and so unique. Check out her candle designs and holistic skincare at www.sheahaus.ca 
And yes, I bought one of her candles (above), filled with lavender buds and crystals, and lit it as soon as I got home!
I also treated myself to a few fabulous finds (below) including Amazonite earrings from Luce Gilbert, an Aventurine stretchy bracelet from www.BeadIt.com, a garnet stretchy bracelet from one of the Meta exhibitors and a lovely carnelian ring from www.najibjewellers.com. And I’m looking fwd to Abby’s copper ring I’ll receive in 2 weeks’ time.
A big Thank You to Salim for granting me access to both shows and introducing me to his wonderful and talented exhibitors. If you’d like to visit the next Gem/Meta Expo, visit www.thegemexpo.com for news of upcoming dates in 2019
