BELFAST — Kim Dunn is on the ball. For 24 years she’s worked hard to make Bennett’s Gems and Jewelry at 45B Searsport Avenue (Route 1) in Belfast is the most unusual jewelry store in Maine.

“We have everything in the way of gem stones,” said Kim. “If we don’t have it, we can get it. If we can’t get it, it’s not available.”

Bennett’s specializes in Maine gems, but also carries gem stones from all over the world. They also carry fossils, mineral specimens and one of the largest collections of tumbled stones.

“We carry Maine Tourmaline. It’s very hard to get because it’s not mined very much in the state these days, but we have good, reliable sources and we’re able to get it. You can spend $50 for a specimen or up to $5,000.”

Bennett’s can set any stone you buy into a ring, bracelet or necklace. They also do a healthy internet business as well.

“I sold a $5000 ring online yesterday,” said Dunn. “Monday I sold and shipped a matched pair of Geodes.”

Dunn said the cold Maine winter has done little to slow down business.

“We are so busy we can’t close. We have to be open everyday. We only close on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.”

“Teachers love our store and kids do, too. The kids say this is their favorite store. That’s pretty unusual for a jewelry store when kids love it. A child can come in here with a dollar and walk out with two really nice tumbled stones. Rock collecting is one of the more popular hobbies.”

Dunn is originally from Houlton, and has spent 34 years in Belfast.

“I love it here. This is home. Belfast has really grown up. It’s a destination town with real people and real places. It’s exciting what’s happening here, it’s just the place to be. I can’t imagine having my store anywhere else.”

Dunn travels a few times a year to buy gems, but says she’s been in her location so long a lot of the dealers come to here these days. California, Oklahoma, Texas and New York, are just a few of the places she gets her gems.

Dunn also said she started buying unwanted gold and silver. “It helps the local people. They don’t have to travel very far to sell their old and broken jewelry. I also buy silver flatware. I give them an honest value for their merchandise. It helps and I’m happy to be able to do that.”