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Writer's pictureHolly Campbell-Smith
Apr 12, 20243 min read

The Rebirth of Crieff's Crystal Emporium: A Story of Tradition, Legacy, and Renewal


A woman with medium length brown hair and wearing glasses, brings her palms together as she laughs in front of a crowd. She is standing in front of a big white screen. Various gifts such as crystals, a leather drum, ceramic art, can be seen to the left of her.
Elisabeth's great-niece, Lhamo, at the re-opening of Crieff's Crystal Shop.

Crieff, a charming town in Scotland, has joyfully revived one of its beloved local treasures: the Crystal Shop, reopened under the careful guidance of Elisabeth Michael's great-niece, Lhamo. After several months of significant renovations, this cherished emporium welcomed customers again on April 19, 2024. The reopening not only represents a new chapter in the shop’s story but also honours the remarkable legacy of its founder, Elisabeth, who has recently retired to a care home at 90 years old.


A lady with short curly white hair and red lipstick sits with her great-niece on a greenish blue embroidered couch. The Lady holds a pink and yellow Christmas paper crown hat with both hands as her niece brushes her blonde hair with a yellow comb. They look happy and content. Both wearing floral outfits.
Elisabeth Michael and her great-niece Lhamo 1990s

Elisabeth's path is one of resilience and determination. Starting as a young child who fled Germany during World War II, she ultimately established her own clothing retail shop in Crieff against considerable odds. With little more than a passion for fashion and Art. she diligently educated herself in colour theory and retail. Her dedication from working from the ground up allowed her to purchase and open a simple clothing store in Crieff, Scotland.


Elisabeth fell in-love with crystals and started showcasing stunning gemstones alongside her clothing. Over 35 years her assortment expanded and eventually outgrew the clothes, leading to Elisabeth's collection becoming one of the biggest in Scotland. Many locals fondly remember visiting Elisabeth, learning about unique gemstones, and gathering their own treasured pieces. For example, some frequent customers still reminisce about how they acquired their first crystal from her store, which sparked a lifelong interest in the healing properties of these stones.


The emotional significance of the shop’s history cannot be overstated. When Elisabeth moved into a care home, there were worries that her iconic shop might shut for good. Fortunately, Lhamo stepped in, ready to honor her great-aunt’s vision and keep the store alive. With love and commitment passed down through the generations, Lhamo accepted the challenge of rejuvenating the emporium while keeping its spirit intact.


Many people young and old are seated on wooden chairs inside a crystal shop facing a large white screen. A blue pole sits in the centre of all those who are seated. Behind the pole is a lady on her laptop that is connected to a projector. They are waiting to watch a documentary film on the Crystal Shop and it's founder that they are sat in.
People gather for the first film showing at the shops relaunch night.

After substantial renovations, including cataloguing the diverse array of crystals, the shop reopened with a refreshed look, ready for a new generation of crystal enthusiasts. The grand reopening was celebrated with a private screening of a documentary about Elisabeth, created by local filmmaker Helen McRorie, filmed a few years before she retired. It showcased her journey and deep affection for crystals, reinforcing her impact on the community.


In line with the shop's renewal, one of the rooms has been transformed into a therapy space. This area now offers individual sessions in massage, reiki, counseling, and other wellness practices. This initiative not only expands the store's offerings but also reflects Lhamo's vision to cultivate wellness alongside tradition. Statistics show that wellness tourism has been growing at a rate of 6.5% annually, highlighting the increasing interest in holistic practices.


A beautiful room with white cream walls and light wooden floor holds space for plants and a bookshelf that adorns some books, plants, and crystals. At the bottom of the bookshelf are two large Indian Elephants carved out of wood. To the left of the bookshelf is a large Citrine cathedral standing tall on the floor. To the right of the bookshelf is an old marble fireplace that is no longer in use but instead holds some potted plants and some large Crystals on it's mantle.
Therapy Room space at The Amethyst Cathedral

Currently, the Crystal Emporium operates on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, with plans to increase opening hours to better serve the community. Discussions are underway about establishing an online shop, which would extend Elisabeth’s legacy beyond Crieff and allow customers worldwide to experience the magic of her crystals.


People young and old are gathered in The Amethyst Cathedral crystal shop in crieff. They are sat on wooden chairs as they watch a large projector screen that is showing an image of Elisabeth Michael from a documentary about the shop by Helen McRorie.
Documentary film by Helen McRorie featuring Founder of the Crystal Shop Elisabeth Michael

A woman with glasses and a warm smile holds a wine glass full of a drink close to her face. Her hand has a crystal silver ring. Next to her is another young lady with short hair who is holding her coat close to her chest. There are two other people in the background. All of these people look in the same direction towards something out of frame.
Lhamo and guests watching the documentary by Helen McRorie

The Crystal Emporium is more than just a retail space; it serves as a hub of history, knowledge, and connection. With Lhamo and her small team leading the way, it promises to merge Elisabeth's cherished traditions with modern innovation, ensuring that both the past and future can flourish within its walls.


The reopening of Crieff's iconic Crystal Shop stands as a testament to the power of family, legacy, and the dedication to preserving artisanal craftsmanship. Elisabeth Michael’s story is woven into the fabric of Crieff, inspiring many, young and old alike, as they explore the wonders of crystals and their potential benefits.


A woman and a man have their backs to the viewer as they look at a large display of Crystals, Buddhas, Necklaces, statuettes, and more. These gifts are sat atop a large wooden countertop. On the wall above them are ceramic art and necklaces.
Guests look at a display of crystals and gifts available at The Amethyst Cathedral

As the shop embarks on this new chapter, the community eagerly anticipates the future of the Crystal Emporium. With renewed energy, focus, and intentions to expand, the shop is poised to remain a treasured component of Crieff’s cultural landscape. The spirit of Elisabeth Michael endures, illustrating that with passion and determination, anything is achievable.




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