Lynchburg Business

The Colorful, Eclectic World of Stones n’ Bones

Issue: January 2012 by Alyssa Mercadante in Inside The Magazine, Retail

It’s obvious when you walk through the door—Stones n’ Bones is different. Located in the Graves Mill Shopping Center in Forest, Stones n’ Bones offers an eclectic mix of minerals, crystals, fossils and more. For shoppers on the hunt for something unique and colorful, this is the spot.

“This is a serious niche business,” David Young, owner of the store, said. “And it’s low pressure. If you like what you see, I’m the only game in town.”

Young grew up in Northern Virginia and moved to the area in 1993. After holding various occupations, including working in the book business and managing two Harley-Davidson dealerships, Young decided it was time to make a shift.

“I wanted to turn my hobbies into a business,” Young said. “When you walk in here, you’re walking into my world. I have an excellent staff; everyone is very tuned into the customers and very knowledgeable about what we have to offer.”

Stones n’ Bones is now going on its 15th year in business after spending its first two years in the Community Market in downtown Lynchburg and 13 years at its current location in Forest.

Young’s business continues to thrive, despite today’s economy, and he says it is mainly thanks to its location.

“I’ve been very fortunate here,” Young said. “Location, location, location. We did the research before moving here, and I don’t have one single regret.”

Young admits he does things a bit differently than many other businesses when it comes to dealing with the economy by spending more money to double his advertising.

“It has paid me back in spades,” he said. “I am constantly re-thinking how to do business in order to keep up. If you don’t run your business like a business, it’s not going to survive.”

As a local business owner himself, Young says he is a huge proponent of buying local.

“You will never see me in a Wal-Mart,” he said.

Stones n’ Bones offers one of the largest selections of sterling silver jewelry, beads and findings in the region. The store also offers classes in beading and wire wrapping for anyone interested in learning how to make jewelry. Full service jewelry repair is available on the premises as well and includes ring sizing and stone setting. Incense, oils and other one-of-a-kind gifts can also be found in this unique store. There is a little bit of everything and something for all ages.

Stones n’ Bones also proudly supports the local art community.

“We hang art in here for many local artists, and it changes regularly,” Young said. “Artists and customers alike come in here all the time and give me bizarre and interesting stuff that they make, and it truly honors me.”

As far as rocks, minerals and fossils go, Young finds most of the items himself.

“I’ve dug all over the United States and in Canada, but the most prolific digging has been done here and in North Carolina,” he said.

Young has received his Federal Mine Safety Certification, which enables him to work underground in operating mines. When he goes digging, he brings back 500 to 600 pounds of unique items at a time.

According to Stones n’ Bones’ website, their large selection of rocks, minerals and fossils include products such as tea light candle holders, massage wands and spheres. Amethyst, Celestite, Quartz crystals, Selenite and Fluorite are also always on hand.

The unique gems and minerals found provide the store with the opportunity to create beautiful sterling silver jewelry with stone set pendants. Moonstone, Labradorite, Lapis, Tourmaline and Rutilated Quartz are mainstays and always available, according to the website. Stones n’ Bones carries an excess of 500 pairs of earrings at all times, many of which are one-of-a-kind.

“The money is in jewelry, but it’s everything else that gets people in this door,” Young said.

While Young continues to enjoy the successes of his thriving business, he is not looking to expand at this moment.

“I’m here for the duration. I’m always looking for ways to increase business, but I don’t see any other stores in the picture right now,” he said. “I have more employees than I need. My store provides me with a great lifestyle. I’m not going to fall into the trap holes of culture.”

Young’s sedate lifestyle revolves around finding artifacts, creating art, reading books and growing plants.

“I strive to maintain a place where people can come in, be themselves and relax,” Young said. “My store is a direct extension of me and who I am.”

Stones n’ Bones is located in the Graves Mill Shopping Center in Forest at 18013 Forest Rd. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For questions or more information about the store, call (434) 385-7127 or visit www.stonesnbones.net.