I walked into a wonderful store on a whim today. I have driven past it many times over the last year and decided today was the day. I am sure happy I stopped in. What an incredible rock and gemstone place this is. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was how wonderful it smelled. The incense they were burning was incredible. The store is immaculate, dusted, vacuumed and maintained. The staff, especially, Dave, were amazing. Dave helped me shop for certain rocks to fill small jars I was giving away as gifts. They have an incredible selection and the prices were very reasonable. I spent about 45 minutes in the store and enjoyed every second of it. I will be returning very soon to pick up some other items. There is simple and readily accessible parking and it's in a good area of town. I highly recommend this small business. read more

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I only go to Desert Gems once in a while, and pretty much every time I go, I'm reminded *why* I don't go there. They have an "okay" selection of gems/crystals, but they're way overpriced. Only recently have I gotten into making my own knitting stitch markers, which require beads, wire, tools, etc. I checked here for a 1-Step Looper; nope, sold out. Back to Amazon I go. Beads seem outrageously overpriced, so it's rare I buy any beads here. Yesterday my husband and I went in to look at some of the crystals/rocks they have, and my husband asked about a particular stone of which they had a couple spheres and an egg-shape. The very hippie older man had no idea what the stone was, so he asked the only other employee working that day, but she didn't know either. She "thought" it was "Tarzanite, from Peru." One of the spheres had a sticker that said Peru, but no other information was available. Three of us searching on Google turned up nothing, except some photos of "Tarzanite" (which the search usually changed to "Tanzanite," which was clearly not this stone), but the photos didn't match the stone we were looking at. Not very helpful if you're selling a stone but don't even know what it is. Meanwhile, I was browsing around the shop and the older hippie man kept aggressively trying to sell me on various things, without even asking what I might be looking for or what type of project I was working on. I'd already told him I was just browsing, but he kept pointing out things like, "This wall is our larger-hole beads!" and stuff like that, when I have no interest in "larger hole beads" (as I said, I occasionally make myself knitting stitch markers, which have to be SMALL and lightweight, otherwise they will be too heavy and create hand strain). I don't make jewelry, so nearly everything he was pointing out -- i.e. aggressively trying to sell me -- was of no interest or use to me whatsoever. The hippie vibe was a bit too much for me, though some people may like that. Also, the shop reeked of strong incense -- both my husband and I are highly allergic to fragrances/smells, so we couldn't stay long. Why don't shops realize that some people cannot tolerate strong smells? They can even set off asthma attacks in some asthmatics (scents are banned on Montreal metro trains for that reason), and for others of us they can trigger severe migraines that last for days. At least neither of the employees were wearing masks, which was a relief. (I am autistic and have mask trauma from childhood, so those still wearing masks in 2024 I cannot deal with and have to take my business elsewhere.) In the end, we left the shop without buying anything and it will be a while before we go back, if ever. p.s. My husband took a photo of the sphere he was interested in and we went back to Mountain Mineral Market on Kipling, to ask Benjamin, who has a degree in geology, if he knew what it was. The photo wasn't quite enough to identify it, but he said it was definitely *not* "Tarzanite". read more

My granddaughter requested bracelet making stuff for her 13th birthday, and I knew I didn't want to order the same old craft kit from Amazon so I started searching Etsy. When she sent me pics of the kind of bracelets she wanted to make, I knew just the place to go...Desert Gems. When you open their website, it says something like: "You found it" and truly you have. But, you have to go to the shop to believe it. Not only that, everyone at Desert Gems treated my granddaughter and her best friend with respect and attention, they made us feel so welcome. The girls found everything they needed to make the bracelets of their dreams, and it was such a fun time to see all the beautiful beads and rocks and findings available. There was a class going on in the back of the shop while we were there, they have amazing gems, rocks and other items as well. Truly a fun place to go. Thanks Desert Gems for making us feel so welcome! read more

Love love love this store! So friendly and always willing to teach you about the gem stones your actually purchasing. They even offer classes, beginners and up, on how to make unique creations. Desert Gems is that one gemstone that stands out from the rest. 10 out of 10 read more

Store has character & great selection. Staff friendly and attentive. Not your hobby lobby store.., the real deal.

Great place to get supplies and Jen's! Took a jewelry class from Deb...she's a great teacher! Will go back for another class!

First, MANY safety measures are being taken. I felt VERY safe here. So my kiddo is super in to gemstones and minerals now, following my lead. We went through a cave exhibit the other day at DMAS and now its his thing. I think its a great, positive interest away from the screen. He loves Rose Quartz, he got a pendant put on a necklace made for him on the spot by the awesome staff. He took home some Lepidolite, Moonstone, Lapis, Jade, rough Amethyst and Sotalite), he also wanted to get some rocks to give to his step-dad. Highly altruistic little dude. In a photo I posted you can see him pointing at a large polished Rose Quartz and in another he is posing next to a big amethyst. I also took home a hematite bracelet, a couple of lapis bracelets, garnet in limestone, a mahogany obsidian, carnelian and both black and snowflake obsidians. We got real nice, sturdy velvet patches for just a dollar It made his day when he got a piece of a Rhodochrosite from Colorado, as he fell in love with the "Alma King", one of the world's most precious exhibits. Super cool that he's taken up this little hobby. Now, with a little power of intent, he will have magic all around him. Awesome. #proudpapa --The staff couldn't have been more patient, knowledgeable or helpful. Great vibrations here. The selection of stones, rough and polished, jewelry, craft supplies, etc... just the definition of awesomeness. DEFINITELY check them out. **** If you're visiting Denver, don't leave without stopping by. I can't speak highly enough.***** Spiritual and healing energy abound. Lots of cool hippie shit . #DesertGems -- read more

This is a great place to go to if you are into rocks or making jewelry or bead based accessories. I was there to check out their rocks more than anything. It's a big shop with tons of stuff. They had lots of small rocks, animal shaped rocks, cool rare rocks and some big expensive rocks. My price range tends to be anywhere from .50 cents to 100 bucks or so when I'm buyin rocks so they had a lot to choose from. First time I came here I got a jasper wand, little vanadinite cluster, small tourmaline and azurite pieces, a Pakistani onyx egg and some display stands. About 40 bucks for the lot so not too bad. They had an amazing pyrite sphere that was a little too much the first time, but when I went back to get it about a week or so later it was gone. I was disappointed and all I got the second time around was a great quartz cluster for a steal at ten bucks. Some stuff tends to be on the expensive side but overall there's cool stuff to be had. It seems like they rotate their inventory and the place was pretty damn busy both times I went. Staff was friendly enough both times I went. Would definitely recommend Desert Gems if you're even remotely into rocks. It's a big store that's fun to browse and you can def find some nice pieces for your collections. read more

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I loved this place. For about 3 weeks I absolutely loved it. I bought a bunch of shungite, and a cool salt bowl, and a really cool (but way over priced) double terminated quartz crystal. Herkimer, to be exact. But I digress... (but try to get used to it) Alas, this love was not meant to be. It was lacking in respect, unbeknownst to me, which sadly is a very common problem in relationships these days. This and intimacy the world is starving for... (see what I mean?) Anyway, I just went over there at 4:00PM in a snowy New Years Eve, and they're open. I know this because the lights are on, the signs, the lamps, They are open. So I pull up and go park. I get out and try the door and it's locked! I look at my watch and it says 4:05 (I was fiddling with some gemstones in my car, hence the delay) At any rate, I'm confused so I look to see if there is a sign on the door, there is indeed, and as I begin to read it this older man with long white hair walks up to the door and yells "We're Closed!" as if this guy can't possibly comprehend what's happening. Satisfied he has made me feel adequately small, he turns and walks away. So having no choice, I also turn and walk away. However... I do have a choice whether to return or not. And when I recall, in a moment when you sir had a choice, to reach out with kindness or coldness, and you chose coldness... How do you think that choice will manifest? Note: I just want to point out that I don't expect stores to remain open late for me, or to be treated like some VIP. I do expect to be treated with kindness, and respect. This is not too much to ask. Period. Furthermore, this review may be many things. You are all free to elaborate on what those things are. What this review absolutely is NOT, is a request for an apology. Just be nicer to people. e read more

Great selection of gems, large pieces and small wrapping stones as well! I myself don't wirewrap of make jewelry but it looked like the perfect place for someone who does. The stones on the other hand are right up my alley. They had some beautiful pieces and great prices on most things. I bought a beautiful large slab of labradorite for only 7$! The woman behind the counter was very nice, we talked about our experience crystal mining in Arkansas. that was only my first experience, I can't wait to return! read more

Desert Gems - Labradorite :) - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Lakewood, Colorado

I love gems and minerals. I have visited many Rock shops all over Colorado and this is the best option in the Denver area for cheap beads and minerals. They have lots of small rocks and they are all decently priced. I get all of my citrine and amethyst points for projects here as they have the best price and selection. They also have a section in the back with raw unpolished rocks that you can polish yourself. They also have a wide variety of jewelry making supplies such as wire for wrapping, beads, clasps, and chains. They have their own parking lot that wraps around the store. read more

Desert Gems - Some amethyst, rose Quartz, citrine, and apophyllite I picked up on my last trip here - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Lakewood, Colorado

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The staff here are AMAZING...they treat me like family and the selection is terrific as well. I love this place!!!

* Star one is for just being a bead store, thats awesome ** Our friend, star number two is for its easy to find location right off of highway 6 *** My third star is a shout out to their awesome array of classes for the low low price of $30 **** The last and fourth star is for its down-to-earth-ness... The store is not stuffy or overpriced Desert Gems is located in a small strip mall off Wadsworth in Lakewood. What I like most about this bead warehouse is that they offer classes for usually about $30, then give you a $30 gift certificate to use in the store. The "get you in and make you stay strategy," gotta love it. Did you know that it is recommended to stretch your sting prior to stranding? Simply wet the string, stretch it with your hands and then hang it over a door or hanger until dry. Necklace and bracelets stretch over time... to help avoid this, pre-stretch the string even if it says on the package that it is already stretched... One of the many things I learned just by asking where the silk string was. From clasps to tumblers to bookends and pendants, Desert Gems has a large variety of beading supplies... high-end and low-end alike, it is affordable for an array of budgets. I wouldn't really suggest their bead strands, as they are not that impressive or unique, but I would suggest this place for the basics such as findings, separators, and small classes. What I like most about Desert Gems is that you are among other bead junkies... ask any question and there is always someone with an answer or a question dumber than yours. Bead on. read more

Some really interesting finds, but would have liked more options for slabs and non-dyed agate. Lots of variety from cabs, to rough, to polished, to carved stones. Great selection of beads and jewelry making supplies. read more

Can't find common ground with your teenage girl? You can find it here in Lakewood! This is a great place to explore with anyone you have trouble talking to. There are so many interesting bits and pieces to look at, pick up and touch that disagreements and conflicts fade away. Fossils, beads, stones, silver and rock art all beg from the shelves to be handled. It's a wonderful place to create jewelry projects as well as accessorize your latest (or oldest) outfit. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful with whatever undone projects you bring in. They also offer jewelry making classes. read more

Absolutely beautiful and interesting store; it's the kind of place you can spend hours at. The staff was beyond friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. With that being said, if you aren't well informed on the prices of rocks in general I would say do your homework prior to buying because some things seem reasonable while others seem outrageous- read other reviews reference. I am by no means a "rock expert", but I have seen similar rocks for much less. For example, I had previously priced a few different sized selenite crystal lamps at a hospital gift shop, but when I passed by this rock shop I saw the same lamp in the window and figured I might as well price it there too. The smallest lamp at this shop was $60-70 which shocked me because the LARGEST selenite crystal lamp was only $30 at the hospital gift shop, so I bought my lamp at the latter obviously. Yet, this store had a beautiful hematite necklace for only $15 and a variety of gemstone pendants ranging between $5-17 which appears to be a great deal. Not to mention, they even teach classes every Saturday starting at just $30! Taking all of this into account, I will continue to shop at this store, but I will probably compare prices before buying. However, if there is something you want bad enough and the price is right I am telling you to buy it on sight. They had a few gemstone crosses, in a particular color, the first time I went in and when I went back about a week later that color was sold out. Maybe these rocks are one of a kind, like I said before I am no expert on rocks; but if you're just looking for the same style of rocks as seen in the store, such as the salt rock lamps that are very popular right now, you can find a variety of sizes and styles for a lot less at Tuesday Morning in the shopping mall up and across the street. It's all about what you want and what exactly you're looking for. read more

Took my crafty 14 year old to this fun place this weekend! Wow, what a selection, and a really nice crew of people! Pay attention to the great discounts - you are going to want just a few more things! Take your time to look around knowing answers to your questions are always available. We had a great time - they have all kinds of stones, stone beads, glass beads, lots of jewelry-making tools, various accessories, interesting gifts, and more. Great for first-timers like me and all levels of crafters or jewelry makers. read more

This place stocks all kinds of gemstones, crystals, beads, hardware findings, etc. and its all color organized along a long wall which makes shopping a breeze. The family that run (and own?) this shop are super helpful and knowledgeable. Nice to have such a place locally to shop. Also I highly recommend for kids who enjoy collecting rocks, geods, etc. I bought a fun rock to put in my water picture that helps filter the water. read more

What a cool place... they would explain and knew everything about all of the rocks and surrounding area... truly a family feel. No question went unanswered. Take the time to stop in here... was a great experience... read more

It is getting a little ridiculous with how often not only I go here, but the boyfriend as well. Great prices. The raw bins are AMAZING!! We need to invest in a tumbler. Location is a little odd. You can't really tell its desert gems, just a bead and rock shop. They seem to have updated inventory often enough. I do ? A couple of specimies, citrine points, but everything seems pretty legit! We will be back.. obviously! read more

good selection but ridiculously, gratuitously, offensively overpriced, the kind of overpriced that makes you angry, that actually makes you hold a grudge - even if you work their discounts (1/2 off if you buy over $200 etc) you're STILL paying more than you'd pay at the Quartzsite Gem Show, the Tucson Gem Show, the Denver Gem show, or ordering online etc (google for these) - this place is only useful if you're desperate or just don't know any better, save your money and go to Tucson instead where you'll see the same beads for 1/4 the price read more

Friendly staff, good selection, great prices, A must for stone crafting. I'll be back. Worth checking out.

I've just started metalsmithing and love this place. Excellent prices and great selection of "cabs". Very friendly and helpful staff. Only downfall is location. Traffic is bad at that intersection, and when coming from the south you have to get on Wads. heading Nouth. Worth the drive though :) read more

Love this place! Great service and so much to see and explore. It's a great place to find gifts-though next time I'm shopping for myself:-) I can't wait to go back when I have more time. read more

Desert gems is one of the worst places for customer service. Ive never been to a local gem store that is so rude to their fellow locals. They are not helpful and act as if your an inconvience for shopping there. I am a jewelry student at metro university, so I would shop their often for supplies, but cannot get past how rude they are. I am not the only one who believes this to be true, all my fellow students feel the same and refuse to shop there. That is also what makes me think these Reviews are fake, because everyone i talk to about how rude they are, agree and do not shop there. They are loosing local business due to their attitudes, Which is so easy to change. Hopefully they can do that so some day i can shop there again. read more

I wish I could give them no stars. I found this shop to have a poor selection and more importantly, the two older women have shockingly horrible attitudes. I have been in a few times because at first I thought maybe they were just having "off" days, unfortunately that's not the case. They are both just extremely negative women. I prefer to give my business to people who don't treat me like I'm inconveniencing them with my presence/simple questions. To top it off the prices are OUTRAGEOUSLY high. I recommend shopping elsewhere before wasting your time and money here. Eggers Lapidary is just a few more miles west on 6th ave, 100% recommend them over this place, it was refreshing to walk in to Eggers and be treated immediately like a valued customer. read more

When I lived in Denver I thought this was a good store. But since I moved to Phoenix I can't get rid of them. They keep sending me e-mails and I keep telling them to take me off their list and they never do and I still get e-mails. I told them last time if they did not take me off I would write a review online to complain. Obviously they still did not listen and have not listened to my repeated attempts over about 4 months to get off their e-mail list. Run away when they ask for your e-mail address!!!!!! read more

I've been to most every bead store from Littleton to Fort Collins. Desert Gems has a huge selection of findings, along with an entire wall of gemstone beads. Even when I really only go in for one thing, I always come out with a bag of great stuff. Staff is nice, too. Always worth the 40 minute drive from my house! read more

Desert Jems has a pretty nice stock of beads and beading supplies. The help is knowledgeable but not very friendly. I'd give four stars if they were nicer, but I've been shopping there for years and they don't even know my name. Their prices are high on an everyday basis, but they have regular sales that make the prices reasonable (not great, just reasonable). It is conveniently located, so I do shop there when I need something now and when I'd rather see what I'm buying in person rather than on a screen. read more

Don't bother to sign up for classes here. The classes look great, but they will not call you to tell you that your class is cancelled. When you show up, they shrug their shoulders and say, "Oh, we didn't even know there was a class tonight." Then they look it up and say, "Oh, it got cancelled. Oh, well." Too bad. It looked like a nice store, but I won't be going back. read more