Exploring the Gemstone Mines of North Carolina: Little Switzerland and Spruce Pines.

In this video, we explore the gemstone community of the Spruce Pines region of North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains create a beautiful backdrop for looking at the history and minerals of the region. This is part of our year long research trip, as we explore the early roots of American Gemcutting. Time Stamps: 00:00 Sunrise 00:49 Entering the Blue Ridge Mountains 00:58 Emerald Village 06:29 Comparing NC to Other Localities 07:32 1920's Mining Town 08:03 Discovery Center and Lapidary Machines 09:27 The Emerald Mine and the Biggest Emerald 10:36 The Skyline Village Inn 10:54 Burnsville 11:26 Spruce Pines 12:02 The Chalet 12:18 The Museum of North Carolina Minerals 13:24 A Story about a 1920s NC Faceter 13:53 Crabtree Emerald Mine 18:02 Rio Dóce Gem Mine 19:18 Gem Mountain 20:29 Our Emerald 🎵 Music by epidemicsound.com 💖 If you would like to support my faceting endeavors, please become my patron:   / justinkprim   ✨ If you would like to buy faceting merch like shirts and wall prints: http://www.magusgems.com 📷 You can find me posting fun gem cutting related stuff on Instagram:   / justinkprim   🌐 You can also find my articles and stories here: http://www.justinkprim.com 🎥 Gear Used: (Please note that these are affiliate links) Video: Nikon Z6 https://amzn.to/3fMQ4ab Nikon Z50 (x2) with 16-50mm lens https://amzn.to/3vsgoN9 Nikkor 105mm Macro https://amzn.to/3yKHBwW Nikkor Z 24mm https://amzn.to/3fncy2f Neewer Lights: https://amzn.to/34jcFWm Audio: Rode Video Mic Pro https://amzn.to/34jcIBw Rode NT-1 (x2 for ASMR) https://amzn.to/3urx9ab Boya Lavalier Mic (x 2) https://amzn.to/2Sx7DCS PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 https://amzn.to/3fqQsfC