Wonderful service and lots of variety. Went to get some stones for bezeling and left with everything i needed and more. ALSO A MUSEUM IN THE BASEMENT THAT IS SO NEATT unfortunately dave was not there as he lives in nm. read more

Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop - museum - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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An absolute gem of Evanston! The sales associates are friendly and knowledgeable. Incredible selection of precious, semi-precious, and just super cool rocks. The hidden fossil museum in the basement was the highlight of the whole experience. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

Part museum. Part store. This is a MUST visit for anyone interested in fossils, minerals, jewelry and learning. Knowledgeable and friendly staff! A hidden gem on the north side. read more

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I love rock 'n' ... gems and crystals and fossils.... If you were one of those kids who was always picking up cool rocks...and even if you weren't If you are fascinated by fossils and dinosaurs and all other kinds of ancient things ... and even if you aren't If you like bright, shiny, colorful things...who doesn't If you see where I'm going with this... You must stop into Dave's Rock Shop and spend some time here. For myself, I love looking at amethysts and crystals and any kind of gemstone. I also enjoy all of the strands of beads and small stones. Other members of the family like the fossils and petrified wood. When I'm traveling I always like to seek out rock and crystal shops but nowhere else I've found has quite the breadth and quality that you can find here. read more

I don't own any jewelry except a piece of jade given to me by my mother. I have no knowledge of stones or crystals other than some have healing benefits. Dave's Down To Earth came highly recommended by a colleague and I can see why after my visit. I felt like I had walked into a museum upon entering the store. Some of the large pieces on display were impressive and stunning. Every piece of jewelry made with crystals and stones is absolutely beautiful. I was fascinated by the huge inventory of various gemstones. They also carry a large selection of stones by the pieces and beads for DIYers. Most parking in the neighboring residential area requires a permit. Street (pay) parking is available in front of the store and nearby. The shop can also be accessed by Metra and CTA. Currently, the shop is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. I must thank Eli who was very patient and gracious in helping me with my purchase. What a fabulous experience! read more

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I visited this shop last Thursday. Staff friendly and I saw museum downstairs. Dave and Sandy built a great business. I will return very soon. Five stars Five stars read more

A great selection and a full range of prices for everyone. Always a friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you. I can spend an hour looking at everything. Very cool basement. read more

A few weeks ago, I spent a half hour waiting in line at my local United States Postal Service (USPS) to send out international Christmas cards. As I made a return to my car, after what felt like an eternity, I noticed I still had time left on my meter to explore the Main Street Shopping District. A few doors down from my parking space was Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop. Dave's was on my to-do list for years since we moved to Evanston and this time, I finally got an excuse to get my butt through their door. I was glad to make the visit because Dave's has some pretty interesting raw gems for sale and a fossil museum downstairs. As you wander through, you'll notice a vast collection of rare and unique gems spanning the globe! There's a rainbow of precious stones for sale sure to appeal to all tastes and make great gifts. The left of the store is where you'll find small bins selling gemstones per piece, priced from under a dollar to $20 each. Other rare pieces can go for a few hundred to a few thousand. I went in looking for a particular item. I wanted to purchase Black Kyanite and when I asked an employee if they had any in stock, I was delighted to learn they had it in store. I made my purchase and have plans to make my Black Kyanite into a pendant. Thankfully, another store associate connected me to a local jewelry maker who can make it custom. That's my next project and I hope to post another picture of the pendant when it's finished. I'm happy to discover a unique store, find what I need and take part in shopping local. read more

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This is a fun place to putz around and see what hits you.  I was in the area and finally had a chance to stop by as it's been on my to-do list for a couple years.  I didn't buy anything this time, but now have an idea of what's here, and it makes for a nice gift shop for the right person, and it's also a place the kiddos might like to see from an education and possible souvenir standpoint.  There's a wide price range and a wide selection of items such as rocks, gems, minerals, jewelry, and a lot of general fossil knick knack items.  The staff is both friendly and laid-back and know how to let the customers just mill about like I did.  I also went downstairs to Dave's Prehistoric Life Museum, and really enjoyed listening to his recorded narration of the exhibits in his personal collection.  It was like being in a portion of the Museum of Natural History, except there's no charge. I only did about 10 minutes as the complete narration of his private collection of fossils and such could last possibly 45 minutes based on the pacing I observed.  Great shop, and I'll be back one day. read more

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Amazing selection. Attentive service. The equivalent of a museum onsite. Unique shop that my crystal- and stone-loving son loves.

My wife and I came here this early afternoon to shop for gems and crystals. They have a pretty good selection of items, but a little more expensive than I'm Used to seeing. We shop in every state we drive through, so we have been very lucky finding thise hidden gems lol. We purchased a couple of items that we found for a good price, so we were very happy with that. Overall a nice location, very friendly staff, and paid parking directly in front of the store. I probably won't be back, but I'm sure my wife and daughter will be back. read more

Best rock/crystal shop in Chicagoland. They have an amazing selection of rocks, crystals, and fossils, toys, and a pretty impressive jewelry collection. I've gotten many minerals and spheres from Dave's over the years, and every time I go, I find something just gorgeous. Once, when my daughter was 3 or 4, they gave her an allosaurus tooth! Check out the fossil museum downstairs, too! read more

5/5 stars because this is literally the best rock shop I've ever visited. My main reason for visiting was to see the free fossil museum located in the basement. Seeing everything else was just a bonus. If you're stopping in for a unique gift you'll find something for just about anyone here; even if they aren't into fossils, rocks or gemstones. I highly recommend visiting if you're in Evanston. The personal collection in the basement is quite something. Keep your children close. Lots of expensive items to grab and touch that would appeal to the little ones. Would return again. Street parking for $.75/hour with a 2 hour max. read more

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Dave's is amazing. They offer a mind boggling array of rocks, jams, fossils, and other arcana. You can spend hours there just gazing at interesting stones. It's like being at a museum where you can touch--and buy-- beautiful stuff. read more

I've known about this place for years but never ventured in until recently...and now I've been twice. I used to collect rocks (which I guess are technically "crystals") as a kid, because I thought they were pretty. I didn't really know what anything was, but it was fun. I have a lot of friends who are totally into crystals for mediation and healing and metaphysical astralprojection stuff, which I'm fairly sure I don't buy into. (I'm open minded, but I have a hard time believing that, because science). But, I wanted to check this place out. I felt like a kid again, and somehow ended up walking out with a smokey quartz point and an amethyst cluster on my first visit, and a selenite tower on my second. Do I think these are going to help me sleep better? No. Do I think they look pretty on my bedside table? You betcha. The price ranges are all over the place, but it seems reasonable. The selenite was $4, the amethyst piece I got was $14, and the quartz was $4.50. They have tumbled stones for 50 cents and then they have massive pieces for thousands of dollars. It's really quite a range. They also have jewelry and, most unexpectedly, "massage wands"...yep. That's apparently a thing people do. I'm inclined to blame it on Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop's jade egg phenomenon. But, to each her own. Oddly, I didn't see any jade rollers, though, which I did expect. Could you find an amethyst cluster for less on Etsy? Probably, but it's nice to be able to pick it out and see for yourself, plus I like supporting a local business. All of the staff I've interacted with on both visits have been great and helpful, and they don't seem to rush people who meander around for what feels like ages (I think I was there at least an hour on my first visit taking it all in). I haven't ventured into their basement yet where their free museum is, but one of these days I will. read more

Awesome little shop for the geeky & curious person in your life, jewelry lover, history buff or just plain someone who likes shiny things. The store is like a museum. In fact, there is an impressive, free museum filled with dinosaur bones and fossils! There is something for everyone. From little kiddos to serious collector, there are prices that will make everyone leave happy. I bought my mom a gorgeous, multi-colored Pakistan Onyx Marble vase for under $70. I also picked up a geode for my nephew for $9. He's gonna love smashing that thing open! To make the kids happy, there are affordable gem collections, cute dinosaur toys and stickers. For jewelry and gemstone lovers, there is an impressive assortment of dazzling items. In my opinion, some are better deals than others, but everything displayed is high quality and natural. The owner is very nice and obviously passionate about his business. Just be careful- no refunds!! So think twice before splurging on your mineral collection. It's very hard not to spend lots of money here. I highly recommend it :) read more

Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop - Pakistan Onyx vase. Very heavy, and the colors are so pretty in real life. - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

This is one of the top locations in the Chicagoland area for gems, fossils, crystals and mineral specimens. Somehow in this space they manage to offer a truly wide variety of items at every price point, from $2 tumbled gems to five figure rarities you will miss if you don't look up. The staff is usually helpful and friendly, even when the place is busy. If you happen to go when the museum downstairs is open, you must check it out. My favorite display is the amber collection. Have fun! read more

I would give them 5* for the service and everything but I had to share my story since it makes me really sad that I had them make a citrine bracelet, I waited two weeks till today and was excited to wear it right the way then I walked out to my car, as soon as I sat down I realized I lost it already, I had to leave for an important appointment and as soon as I was done I drove back to the neighborhood to look for it, I saw it all broken down in the middle of the street :( I guess I lost it while crossing. I don't know what kind of material they used or any other reason but It clearly isn't good enough. Now all I have left is these extra beats I don't know what to do with, I can't afford to have them made again. read more

Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop - the haft left of my citrine beats :/ - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I love this place it has such a wonderful collection of stones at reasonable prices. Sometimes I just go in to look at all the beauty.

While Dave's rock shop has a lot of beautiful oddities and gifts from the Earth, and is situated in such an area that they can exploit these wares for a much higher pricetags that is not my complaint. Asking such prices is understandable when you have the market, but it's when customer service does not match where it affects my desire to shop and supoort such a business. My fiance purchased an amber necklace from there about 8 years ago. I loved it and wore it periodically. One day, I noticed that the main amber fell out of the piece. There was some concern when initially buying and reviewing this piece because of the setting which I thought, at some point, would not be secure as the stone rested on the setting and was not encased. The piece and work we were assured would hold up. A few years went by and then the amber fell out. I had moved states for a bit and could not bring it in until my fiance was able to get there a few months ago. There were no replacements offered. No guarantee. No upholding their word and work. My fiance really wanted me to have my necklace fixed and back and suggested putting another amber pendant on it, mind you, the original was not a pendant but a forged metal piece with spots for 4 smalls amber stones and a latger center. Well, they agreed this could be a possible work around. They made him pay for the piece, the work, no discount and in the end, the piece now just looks like a piece that was cut, not even pokished well, and a charm added on. For this kind of price and fuss, I would absolutely anticipate a much more adequate resolve. To me it appears, they no longer care about their customers because there are so many more that our money simply doesn't matter, and certainly not the meaning behind the piece. I have been wearing it as is and love it because of what it means to me. It doesn't look horrible but it definitely no longer looks like a piece of fine crafted jewelry. Very poor work around. I will no longer support this shop. They need to take better care of their customer's happiness and actually stand behind what they offer. read more

An amazing gem, mineral and fossil shop that is much larger than it looks! Bonus incredible museum downstairs and they don't even charge admission. An enormous selection at all price points. The staff were very kind and friendly to my children. read more

I have been searching the entire U.S. for this specific gem, I even ventured into Canada to find it and it must have beep perfect timing because I found it here! I wish they had them listed online so I could buy more 10/10 would visit again! read more

Sooo happy this shop still exists! I used to drop my kiddies at pre-school nearby and head straight to Dave's...maybe early 90's. It was a delight back then and seems to be so now. Can't wait to spend some time there soon; it's a gem! read more

This place always surprises and delights. This time we came away with a beautiful opal necklace for my wife, and a dinosaur sticker book for my daughter. Hopefully, one day I will be able to buy that $7000 T-Rex tooth! read more

We LOVE Dave's rock shop!!! Amanda helped put together the most beautiful birth stone collection sets for my daughter and her friend. We are strictly quarantining during Covid and she took the time to email us pictures of options. We spent three days emailing back and forth and talking on the phone while trying to find the best fit for my daughter's preferences in our price range. Every single time Amanda was so thoughtful, kind and understanding. We couldn't be happier with our purchase and highly recommend Dave's! My elementary aged daughter says "these are awesome! I couldn't be happier. I was really excited for the Herkimer diamond and opalite dog. Thank you for making my present so special." read more

Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop - Birthstone kit - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Every time we're in need of a gift for a friend or family member, we venture into DAVE'S DOWN TO EARTH ROCK SHOP on Main Street! Precious Gems! Geode Bookends! Turquoise or Amber Jewelry! Zuni Fetishes! Rare Rocks! Always helpful members of Dave's family and associate "Rock-Stars" welcome shoppers of our SouthEast Evanston neighborhood and shoppers from all across our Planet Earth! Be sure to give yourself enough time to take a tour of 'The Prehistoric Life Museum' on their Lower Level. Dinosaur fans of all ages marvel and delight here! Thanks, Dave, for your truly Wonder-Filled outpost of New Mexico! read more

This place is a gem! The people who work there were really helpful. I don't know much about crystals but they had the patience to help. I thought the little museum downstairs was great too! Spent a good amount of time in this store, I forgot about the rest of my day :). read more

Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop - Kambaba Jasper - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I love Dave's Rock Shop. There are amazing rocks, gems, minerals and fossils. There is also a small museum downstairs that is quite spectacular, though I kind of feel like I'm in a museum more than a rockshop when I visit. The staff is quite friendly, but they spend much of their time behind the counters help customers with loose stones and jewelry. I wish there were one or two staff members that browsed that worked the floor more so it would be a bit easier to ask them questions and learn from their knowledge. Dave's is still amazing and I'm sure that I will make it back as often as possible. It is worth mentioning that they are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. read more

I went here with my son! We had a lovely time shopping! The variety of stuff is amazing!

What a shop, if you like rocks or fossils, this place is a must see. The most crowded rock shop I have ever been too, which is a good thing. And be sure to show some love to the museum down stairs, there was nobody down there and there was some really cool fossils down there. read more

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They're so nice with excellent customer service! Well worth a long visit and check out the museum! Kids loved it! Wholesome family activity! Definitely a great place to buy presents for the rockhound in our family. They are so patient also, I forgot something there for a long time and they were so polite it just blew our minds! Glad they have remained open! read more

One of the most unique shops with a great history in the area. I love the museum in the basement and how knowledgeable the staff is. Super kid friendly. Shopping here gives you a sense of adventure, and makes you want to explore the world for treasures! Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop is just the best! read more

They have an awesome inventory of native American jewelry! I went here a couple of years ago and loved it! Will return soon!

I'm obsessed with this shop! I went today and was treated by all of the staff, they were so helpful and had amazing energies! The prices are incredibly reasonable and the store is very cute too! Can't wait to come back! read more

Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

How are there not more reviews of this place? Afaik, there are only two other rock shops near the CTA, and this is by far the best. Whenever I visit Evanston, I stop by here just to look around and admire everything. I'd say the shop even beats the exhibit at the Field Museum since 1) it's free to look around; 2) there's knowledgeable staff on-hand; 3) you can actually touch most of the specimens! If you're a jewelry maker, you have to come here. Trays upon trays of cabochons and loads of gemstones, far more than On The Rocks in Andersonville, though that store is worth visiting too. read more

Amazing customer service over the phone and email! Amanda went out of her way to send multiple pictures and answer all of our questions so we could create the perfect birthstone gem collection for our daughter. She even added written cards for all the birthstones. We are so appreciative and very happy! read more

Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop - Jewelry Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

From fossils to unique jewelry, Dave's Rock Shop is an amazing place to explore and buy great gifts. Limited open hours to is the only drawback. read more

The place is cool. The products amazing. However the customer service and store policy suck. I won't return, even when my 3 teens love the store. My issue was that I bought a pair of citrine earrings to match a citrine pendant my husband gave me. I was shopping with my kids and didn't have the pendant with me. The sales person assured me I could exchange it if the color didn't match, and they could even set earrings for me. Given they have such great variety, I bought them. Color didn't match and came back a day later. The store was crowded and the attention wasn't there. My husband and I tried to find something to match and couldn't find anything. Same sales person was there but now he said "I'll try to find someone to hell you" and didn't come up with a solution. I was only offered store credit. My husband complained given we tried to exchange and the manager denied the request. Overall a bad experience and little effort to make things work for the customer (especially after a sale is done). read more

I never write reviews, especially negative , The irony of going into a rock and gem store and being treated like dirt warrants this negative review.The owner of the shop was incredibly rude to me . I came in with my service animal, who is a pitbull, was immediately cut off when I started to pull out my identification for him, and told that I needed to leave. It was the owner I believe..... DAVE She said she doesn't except service animals, and told me that anyone can get one of those cards, which is true , but also implies that I am likely a liar, Eli's I don't know why else she's need to mention that. She then said I could walk around for 15 minutes but to be careful not to go over that amount of time. it is a challenge To respond with grace to bigots of the breed. If you respond with anger it just makes them look worse. So I just left. But indeed, She gave me every reason to believe that he was why she was being so rude. F this place. The irony that this spot sells spiritual and magical tools and Sacred resource but the owner has a capacity to be so rude and discriminatory is mind blowing . I can't help but think that if I looked different, or had a different breed of dog that I'd have be treated with more respect. read more

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. When I wanted to check out the alexandrite, staff took us to the supply closet to see the color change when the gem was under the dark and lit with a light. They have a great variety of sizes and prices. Really fun dinosaur section. read more