On the Shelf: Natural Curiosities

One display that we always look forward to setting up the most is our collection of natural curiosities. Maybe it has something to do with our inquisitive nature but we always have so much fun taking all of these odd bits & ends & finding a way to make them fit together. From shells & geodes to taxidermy & bones, you never know what you might find in our collection. So be sure to come by the store soon & see if you can manage to resist the urge to pick up a magnifying glass & explore every detail of this amazing collection. ;)

On the Shelf: Cabinet of Curiosities

Inspired by one of our newest books, Cabinets of Wonder, our latest display is full of all sorts of natural curiosities & unique objects. From animal skulls & vibrant butterflies to vintage tintypes & magnifying glasses & more, this display has got us wanting to get up close & personal & inspect all the details of these curious little objects. The idea of "cabinets of wonder" dates all the way back to Renaissance times, where they were used to display disparate, eclectic objects in one place. For instance: "The chance encounter of a sewing machine and an umbrella on a dissecting table." We absolutely love this idea of unusual juxtapositions, thus our own cabinet of wonder was born. Be sure to stop by the store soon to check out our latest display & pick up a copy of the delightful book Cabinets of Wonder.

A Naturally Curious Collection

When it comes to natural curiosities, even in the dead of winter we can find beauty in almost anything. The the turn of seasons stripping nature bare by it cold temperatures and lack of sunlight adds a stark beauty that always appeals to us. When you start collecting natural curiosities in mid-winter you begin noticing a pattern. Nests left by birds as they begin their journey south, wood petrified from the passage of time, shells outgrown for larger homes and leaves that have turned and fallen to the ground. At first, such occurrences and discoveries can appear melancholic, however when you realize nature is simply at work, continuing on as it should, the beauty of cycles and times of transition becomes overwhelmingly apparent. And our current collection of curiosities only reinstates the wonderment and beauty of the natural world that surrounds us. Stop by soon and see the rest of our natural curiosities!

Currently Inspired: Bone Collection

It’s no secret that we love natural curiosities. So much interest can be found in nature, it’s a wonder our whole store isn’t a natural history museum, filled with endless dioramas of diverse taxidermy and forestry. Although some may find it strange, we have always possessed a fondness for bones, and in our “Mad Scientist” section, there’s plenty to look at! From cow skulls to assorted teeth, leg bones to cicadas, our bones on display are sure to inspire wonder with the curious beauty only found in nature. 

Treasures from the Underground

As far back as we can imagine people have been digging in the ground. 

Whether it is some drive to explore the inner-workings of our planet or to seek some untold fortune, we humans just love to dig. This primitive act has not gone unrewarded, as we have discovered such wonders only to be believed by the naked eye. Diamonds, Gold, Quartz, are only some of the treasures we have discovered by going under ground. Here are some of our lastest specimens from down under, here to grace our showcases and your home with a few unearthed curiosities.

Pyrite

The Mineral Pyrite, or Iron Pyrite, is an iron sulfide. This mineral's metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname "fool's gold" because of its superficial resemblance to gold.

Trilobite

Trilobites are a well-known fossil group of extinct marine anthropods dating back to 250 million years. The study of these fossils has facilitated important contributions to evolutionary biology and paleontology.

Kyanite

Kyanite, whose name derives from the Greek word kuanos meaning deep blue, is a typically blue silicate mineral, commonly found in aluminium-rich sedimentary rock. 

Citrine Quartz

Citrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to brown. Natural citrines are rare, most commercial citrines are heat-treated amethyst. The name Citrine is derived from the Latin word citrina, which means "yellow".

Ammonite Madagascar

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine invertebrate animals. These mollusks are more closely related to the common octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish. Ammonites are excellent index fossils, and it is often possible to link the rock layer in which they are found to a specific geological time period. 

Quartz Cluster

Quartz is an abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. There are many different varieties of quartz, several of which are semi-precious gemstones. Throughout the world, varieties of quartz have been the most commonly used minerals in the making of jewelry and hard stone carvings.

Metacantina

Metacantina are extict sea creatures similar to the present day horseshoe crabs. They had hard exoskeletons with many multi-jointed legs. As one of the predominant animals of the Palaeozoic Era (600-225 million years ago), they were the first organism on earth to have highly developed vision.

Amethyst Chunk

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. In Ancient Greece it was believed to have the power to protect its owner from drunkenness. Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in belief that it would prevent intoxication. Amethyst is one of several forms of Quartz and is the traditional birthstone for February.

We've dug up some of the most beautiful pieces for your office, coffee table, and home.

 Dust off that dirt and head over to The Paris Market to pick up some earthy gems of your very own.