Andrew Stone first traveled to the Himalayas with friends from high school in the early 1970s. He was immediately entranced with the beauty of the mountains and the traditional cultures that had remained sheltered from the modern world.

The enchanted land of Nepal drew him and many others into its ancient and highly spiritual culture. In the fabled city of Kathmandu, nestled in the shadow of the world's highest mountains (Mount Everest is visible from the edge of the valley), Andrew found that there existed one of the world's great concentrations of traditional silversmiths.

After several extended trips, which took him from one end of the Himalayas to the other, Andrew studied at Sotheby's in London, England, then returned home and obtained both bachelor and master degrees in art history. Then, it was decision time. Andrew could continue on to earn a PhD and work as a curator or professor, or return to Nepal and share the incredible jewellery made by the traditional silversmiths of Kathmandu with North Americans. We know what his decision was!

Since then Himalayan Gems has grown to be the largest importer of handmade Sterling Silver jewellery from Nepal. The highly skilled craftsmen who make the jewellery work independently in their homes or workshops surrounded by friends and family. There is no better life they could have in Nepal and as the years have gone by they have built new homes, educated their children and achieved a standard of living only dreamed about by most of their fellow citizens.

The patronage of TSC customers helps keep this ancient craft alive in a fast changing world. Each time a piece of Himalayan Gems silver jewellery is purchased it helps to support these craftsmen in their traditional lives that are centered on family and religion.