Gem State Crystals Inc., located on Main Street, is a staple for any fan of rocks or crystals. Whether it be for metaphysical inclinations, geological interests or a desire to obtain new jewelry, this store offers retail and service to a variety of customers. With shelves lined with crystals from rose quartz to amethyst to hematite to Idaho garnet, this is the dream for gemstone and geode collectors. The rainbow array of colors provided by natural beauty is reason enough to visit this store, but its unique qualities offer a further incentive.
Evan McLean, an employee, claims that a unique aspect of working there is that “Everyone has a different mindset.” Some come in looking to get a ring resized, while others want to browse the minerals. “If we were any one thing, we wouldn’t last,” he said. Because of this strategic mindset, patrons get to enjoy both the products and services that set Gem State Crystals Inc. apart from other businesses. With products on display for purchase and employees hard at work in the back restoring and creating masterpieces to be worn, the store mixes the processes of creation and selling.
The store has display cases filled with ready-made jewelry, as beautiful as they are unique. An assortment of crystals is available in a wide range of sizes. The smaller rocks are on the lower shelves, while the larger and more expensive crystals live on the higher shelves or in display cases. In addition to the multitude of outstanding geodes, they sell rocks native to Idaho and the Northwestern Region. Fossils line the same wall as their photo station with purple geodes in the shape of butterfly wings. The store uses market-driven pricing, aware of its location in a college town. With this, the crystals are of mid-level quality and fairly priced, according to McLean. Because of this, college students can afford to spend money here without breaking the bank.
Jewelry creation and repair largely characterizes this business, and it is undeniable that they house a collective of talented individuals. With gold and silver stations as well as lapidary machines, they can fulfill customers’ wildest requests. The creative process of building an idea and bringing it to life is what McLean finds fulfilling in his position at this shop. While some come in to design a ring that could be straight out of a catalog, others come in “for their Dungeons and Dragons, wanting a ring of two dragons fighting over an opal.” With an emphasis on art and customization, the service aspect of the store is a selling point.
Moscow is lucky to have a crystal store and a location for art and restoration all in one. Check out this local gem and explore the vast possibilities.
Macy Gilbert can be reached at [email protected]