A message from Nick at Toprocks - Exciting News: Our Fresh Madagascar Treasures Have Arrived!

Dear Rock Folks,

I hope this message finds you well and ready for some uplifting news! 

After a patient wait of about 10 weeks due to the recent political situation in Madagascar, our eagerly anticipated shipment has finally landed. Hooray! We're thrilled to share that we've received 5 tons of handpicked, high-quality gems and minerals, specially sourced, mined, and crafted just for us. This includes some truly unique and rare pieces that are sure to spark joy in your collections and stores.

We all know the rock and mineral world has faced its fair share of hurdles lately, from global economic shifts and the lingering effects of COVID to reduced tourism and rising costs everywhere, not to mention the wars and Political Arena disruptions. At Toprock, we've felt it too, but we're proud to say that through creativity, hard work, some structural changes, and a bit of innovation, we've kept things moving forward. We've experimented with new products, discovered fresh rock types, and focused on those standout, medium-to-large polished specimens and natural showpieces that our community loves. Instead of dwelling on the challenges, we're celebrating the progress: we're only down about 30% from pre-COVID levels, thanks to our team's dedication and your continued support. We take that as a win in this economic climate!

On a more personal note, I realise I've been so immersed in keeping the rocks flowing - sourcing, labeling, pricing, and managing the day-to-day, that I've let some of our wonderful connections slip. Many of you have become friends over the years, and I sincerely apologise for the lack of communication on our end. Life and business have thrown us all curveballs, but it would make me very happy  to reconnect. Drop me a line at nick@toprocks.com. I would love to hear how you're doing, what's new in your world, and any ideas or needs you have. Whether it's a quick "hello," an update on your adventures, or thoughts on how we can support your success, your stories inspire us!

Looking ahead, we're still always optimistic about the future. There are always ups and downs and financial crashes in history. We have been through a few over the years...Good times, bad times etc. There's still so much passion for rocks out there, and savvy folks like you are adapting with online stores, new markets like garden and architectural pieces, and fresh locations. The real value of these beautiful stones, especially good pieces, hasn't diminished at all and always rises, and at least they're timeless investments and always a source of delight. 

We're always committed to sourcing the best, working closely with our partners to ensure top-grade and interesting material, and even advising on mining practices to bring you more of those one-of-a-kind minerals and crystals. Despite all of the issues, business and personal...and we have had a few big ones... we have been stable and reliable for 35 years now and strive to stay on top of sources for new, rare, quality and old classics. Luckily, the rock business seems to have kept us younger, with more energy than most folks! 

We're also making steady progress on our new warehouse in Namibia, which will help us serve you even better. Financial and personal issues slowed us down, but they DID NOT stop us, we are getting there, but it is a huge undertaking which will be magnificent when ready . The warehouse is on 2400 Hectares of Nature Reserve area with old 1905 German Copper Mining tunnels all over it and we are building an Ancient African Lodge/Mineral and Paleoanthropology Museum/Raptor Centre among other plans. We will update you. Maybe some of our good clients would love to visit the most Geologically Gifted, The most beautiful and Natural Country in Africa and stay with us when we are ready? We are still building, but it will be ready at some point in the not too distant future. 

 And a special shoutout to our incredible Malagasy family - Voahangy, Andy, Dilsad, and the whole crew - who've been with us for 30 of our 35 years in business. Without them, we would not have succeeded. They have just had huge Political Riots in Madagascar by the public, and a change of Government. Lets hope these changes there helps create less of the corruption and Rot that makes their and our lives so much more difficult.  Also a big thank you to Garie and Trudy, our Zimbabwean Lapidary experts who make a lot of the special items that you see on the Toprocks website. I also thank all of my wonderful staff for the huge efforts that we have had to make to adapt to changes. 

And last but definitely NOT the least, I thank YOU for supporting us. Without you we wouldn't exist and wouldn't be able to run around in the middle of nowhere finding beautiful rocks.

Africa is not for sissies, but, hell, we have some adventures!! 
Keep an eye on www.toprocks.com as we upload these new batches daily. You'll find plenty of exciting, unusual items to refresh your inventory and delight your customers.

Wishing you all abundant success, good health, and endless happiness in this wonderful world of rocks. Let's make the necessary changes and keep pushing and make the coming months shine!

All the best to all of you,
Nick May
Toprock Gemstones & Minerals