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Mayan Indian Amber

Jewelry Discussion
#1

My name is Kirk.

I’ve been enjoying this group for a few weeks now, since I returned
from Mexico where I now live half of the year. I’m a semi-retired
geezer who made designer jewelry for years. I used very little amber
or opal in those days since it all looked the same. When new colors
started showing up in Baltic amber I quickly discovered that it was
all treated so didn’t have interest. When I started working with
Mayan indian groups in CHiapas I was excited to find amber in
incredible colors, all natural and unenhanced. The reds, cognacs and
the spectacular green flourescent (natural and visible without black
light) knocked my socks off. I’ve been working this material and
maiking unique jewelry pieces from that time on. I bring up way too
much to work myself so I’m offering highly polished pieces, ready to
make into jewelry at $3-$4 per gram, making it the lowest found
price available for this quality. Shown in the photo are a few
pieces, including freeforms and cabs. but you can see more at my
http://geocities.com/kirkstephany/tools.htm

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#2

Kirk;
Hello.

I was in Chiapas 20 years ago and yearn to go back sometime. What
is it like now? Where did you see the amber or did you go all around
for it? They were just starting on the inflation of the denero and
other social ills at that time. The start of the “revolution” and
troubles with illegal immigrants from the south (sound familiar).

Still loved the country and the people. Very friendly. Have some
good stories I break out sometimes.

It gets me mad whenever I hear vacationers talk about how bad Mexico
was and how the "people " were just after their money and (in
general)low social standing.

I’ll inquire about where they were - Cancun or Acapulco - and
invariably it will be one of the tourist places. I’ll state that
they were not in the real Mexico and that the Mexican people are some
of the warmest, friendliest people I’ve ever met. That they were in
an outstation of the US and all that’s low and crass about us and if
they were to travel in the real Mexico they’d know that their
perceptions were wrong about it and the people.

Was a photographer with a entomological expedition down there. We
went from north to south and east to west covering all of Chiapas.
We were to go into Guatemala also, but because of the guerilla
activity at the time decided against it. On Mt. Tapachula is a
village that is half in Mexico and have in Guatemala. We went there
to inquire about what we should do. Asking “How bad is the guerilla
activity around here”. The response from the mayor (what ever he is
called) was “They are probably watching us right now.” Decided to not
pursue the Guatemala side trip for rare millipedes.

Amber. Saw some in San Cristobel De Las Casas. It was cool, but
being a student couldn’t afford to but any. Didn’t know that much
about it either - as far a buying it.

Some wonderful memories, beautiful country, and a beautiful people.
Want to return there someday.

Again. If you have some time to talk about the country I’d love to
hear from you and Chiapas in 2005.

Eric Schmidt

#3

Hi Eric, You’re certainly right about tourists/tourist areas. If any
of us had to deal with hundreds/thousands of irresponsible
money-maniacs each day like the Mexicans have to with gringo
tourists we also would cease presenting our friendlier sides. Since
I nearly never enter tourist areas I meet totoally wonderful and
friendly people wherever I am. The Indians especially are kind and
amiable to everyone. I wish I had more time to cover more of your
fine comments but sadly… But I’ve been living in Mexico for 8
years now so I should be able to answer any specific questions you
have. The amber and opal I bring up is unique and I sell at at
lower-than-wholesale. See my site for photos of most varieties of
what I have.