Precious pebbles: Rock and gem shops in Calgary
Rock and gem shops are like art galleries for one of nature’s very own art forms, and the pieces on display can be just as beautiful and diverse as any art collection. Whether you’re an admirer of gems, a rock collector or a believer in the mystical powers of crystals and semi-precious stones, these shops carry a menagerie of minerals that’ll rock your world.
Green's Rock & Lapidary
7-1236 38th Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6N2Whether you’re a hobbyist, hardcore collector or just looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, Green’s will have it. The large showroom aisles feature a wide variety of stones from agate, amber and quartz to meteorites, fossils and carvings. A third generation, family-run shop, these folks know their rocks and gems. They also supply sculptors with rocks such as alabaster, soapstone and wonderstone.
Komarevich Originals Ltd
Calgary, ABThe first thing that strikes you when you walk into Komarevich Originals is the abundance of colour. Beads and crystals in every shade of the rainbow are on display in this massive showroom. This rock shop has been around since 1971, and if they don’t have something you’re looking for, Komarevich staff members know where to find it. You can browse semi-precious stones like amethyst, opalite and onyx in addition to fossils, minerals and sparkling geodes.
Earth Gems
100-1022 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A5Rockhounds and gemologists can spend hours browsing row upon row of beads, rocks and crystals at Earth Gems. If you’re not sure what you’re after, the well-trained staff will guide you through the shop’s rockslide variety. There are hundreds of stones and crystals in various forms; raw, tumbled and shaped. The shop also carries unique jewellery settings, and feng shui balls, incense sticks, essential oils. Reiki tools will appeal to your meditative side.
AcmeGem Sales & Appraisal Corp
500-5940 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2G4The AcmeGem collection of gemstones is massive, and includes emeralds, diamonds, rubies and opals. You can design your own jewellery to fit the stone of your choice. They also do appraisals and will clean or update your current jewellery. As a special treat, AcmeGem throws regular gemstone parties hosted by knowledgeable gemologists in which guests can handle and examine gems and other rocky treasures.
Marlow Design
1206 20th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1M8Diamonds and Swarovski gemstones are featured at this locally-owned shop on 17th Avenue Southwest. A small, independent business, Marlow’s nonetheless offers well-priced minerals and gems. Amethyst, garnet, onyx and opal are just a few of its many treasures. The shop’s professional cutter can work with the gem of your choice to craft a unique setting for eye-catching jewellery such as pendants.
Divine Mine
213-12445 Lake Fraser Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2J 7A4Discover the spiritual side of gemology at the Divine Mine. The New Age store has two locations offering a variety of healing therapies and general health and wellness services. Its collection of gemstones is selected on the basis of perceived therapeutic properties. You’ll find amethyst clusters and lamps, agate, quartz and other tumbled stones, each with its own story. The shop’s expert staff will inform you about crystals and how they’re used for therapy, relaxation and spirituality.
Silver Cove
4656 61 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 2R2About an hour north of Calgary city limits, Red Deer is home to one of Western Canada’s preeminent rock and gem specialists. Silver Cove is renowned for its high-quality gems, fossils and crystals. The shop caters to amateur gemologists, rock collectors and to those interested in the metaphysical. Its showroom features many rare ammonite fossils and geodes. Silver Cove also offers introductory gemology courses and leads rock-hunting field trips.
Premier Gems Ltd
909 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A4Owner Jeff Nechka is an award-winning gemologist who’s pursued his passion for gems and rocks to the so-called four corners of the Earth. During his travels he’s become well-connected to suppliers of the world’s finest gemstones. When designing your custom piece he’ll explain the history and characteristics of various gems. Premier has created striking jewellery set with diamonds and lesser-known gems such as tanzanite and malachite.
The Aesthetics Underground
8-404 Squirrel St, Banff, AB T2T 0A4With more than three decades in the gem and mineral trade, Rob Belcher has had samples from his rock collection displayed at major institutions, including the Smithsonian, the Royal Ontario Museum and The Sorbonne. Although he deals with award-winning international designers and big spending collectors, he makes himself available to those who prefer smaller, less-expensive pieces. His travels have landed special gems like Sudanese opals, topaz and amethyst, and he’s especially fond of South America and Southeast Asia where he’s discovered pyrite and ammonite.
