Gary's Gem Garden — Attraction in Mount Laurel Township

Being wire wrappers, we have rock shops that we visit frequently. We are always looking for new places to find rocks. I came across Gary's website while looking for other rock shops to check out. The website claimed they were the "most unique shop in the east." That was quite a statement, so we decided to invest in the 2+ hour drive time (it actual took more than 3 because of construction) to check out the store. To say we were underwhelmed would be an overstatement. The shop is located in a little strip mall and is by NO means a large store!! Entering the shop, you immediately realize it's been around for a while. It feels old and a bit crusty and there was no indication that anyone felt the need to spruce it up or make it feel...less dated? There was an area with jewelry and larger rock specimens. There was a large selection of shells, which really kinda made me scratch my head since it was a "rock shop." Oh well...onto the tumbles. Sadly, the selection of tumbled stones was disappointing. Most were reasonably priced. We picked through the selection and found some stones. The staff? I honestly wish I could say they were friendly or helpful but I can't. They answered our questions but in NO way did they go out of their way to make us feel welcome or valued. (We even told them we had traveled from another state when we walked in and said hello.) They took zero care in packing up our 60 tumbled stones. Just threw them in a zip-lock baggie. All together. WTH? I discovered on the drive home that they didn't even include our receipt. We paid cash and had no record of our purchase. I called the store and asked to have our receipt emailed to us so we had a record for tax purposes. It's been 2 days and I'm still waiting. I guess they're busy...

When my engagement ring bent at an extreme angle, and multiple jewelry stores in DE turned me away for my ring being too delicate to repair, I called Gary and told him what other stores told me. He said to bring in my ring and he would absoltely help me repair it and also sodder my wedding bands to the engagement ring, as my ring had bent about 10 days before my wedding. About a week later I stopped back in to pick it up and my ring looks better than it ever did before! Gary really went above and beyond to make sure my ring was bent back into shape and strengthened too. I will NEVER go anywhere else for jewelry repairs now - plus, as an avid gem/crystal/mineral collector, I get to treat myself to a new addition if I can afford it! Thank you a...

Can't recommend this place enough! Went here for my birthday and was well worth the drive. Amazing collection of stones of all kinds. Prices are very reasonable! Don't pass up on their jewelry selection though and if you find something you like, don't be afraid to ask about custom work I was genuinely surprised at how affordable and beautiful their work was -- I purchased a simple pendant necklace and coordinating stone and to have it shaved down to fit the setting and professionally mounted was all under $30! Granted I chose an inexpensive but pretty stone (rose quartz) but STILL you can get very beautiful gems of all price points and get something completely bespoke and unique! Beats buying a mass produced piece of jewelry every...