It was my first time at the Roseville Gem Faire and most likely the last as I was accused of stealing.
My friend and I were there for a few hours, and we were enjoying ourselves until we went to the last vendor. The owners had a tray of moldavites sitting out on a tray, and they were rather large pieces. I was very surprised by this because these rocks can be very pricey and had been left out at the edge of the table. I love moldavite, and I picked up a couple of pieces to inspect them and even asked the owners their weight and price. I also asked them to weigh a few pieces I bought earlier that day from another vendor. Since the pieces on the tray were large, they were pricy, and I put them back. A few minutes later, I walked away but returned as my friend was still hanging out at the same booth. The owner walked up to me and asked, "Did you pocket that piece?".
I was so taken aback, but immediately told him no. I even asked him if he would like to search my purse multiple times, but he refused. He then proceeded to check under the table. Again, I asked if he wanted to check my purse too, and he again said no. I even told him I was surprised that those pieces had been left out. He said that he trusted people... clearly not.
After we walked away, my friend told me he asked her if I had stolen the piece when I left the booth initially. He didn't ask her if she had pocketed it herself even though she was standing right next to me with access to the same tray. I can't help but wonder if there was a bit of racism involved there, too, since I'm not white and my friend is. Additionally, they had signs everywhere on their booth saying patrons were being recorded... so why he didn't check his cameras before or after accusing me I can't say.
The experience was extremely humiliating. We left the venue right after because our mood soured. I will not be going back. read more