Earthfire Gems Gallery — Local services in Santa Fe

This is easily the most unprofessional and disrespectful store owner I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. As a supplier, and buyer, of high-end jewelry and rare diamonds (We have had several lots auctioned in Sotheby's and various reputable houses) I encounter unpleasant individuals from time to time, but Tom Forrest has been the most unsavory.

I had recently returned to LA from a business trip in Russia and Southern Africa where I had made acquired some high value stones and pieces (all GIA certified after my return), as well as some lesser value items. On my way to NYC to deliver some stones to a client, I made a stop in Santa Fe and, subsequently, this little store. I have little experience dealing with mineral specimens and I was looking to evaluate the worth of a few small items that I had no use for so, and they seemed like the type of establishment that dealt with items of this sort. So I inquired within. The lady that spoke with me initially, was quite nice and friendly. She informed me that Tom did all the purchasing and he would have a look at what I brought in. Tom began looking at the items I had brought in and told me that he usually prefers very large specimens and that smaller specimens do not sell quickly. I had no qualms with that information. He asked me how much I wanted for them, I reported that I did not know the value, so I am open to whatever would be deemed reasonable IF he were interested in them. He then, unprovoked, proceeded to smugly and derisively insult me and the stones I had presented. Describing them as "ugly", "terrible", and "worthless". In my buying experience, if I am not interested in an item for sale, I kindly let the seller know that I am not interested. But, he asked me what I had paid for them, I told him "basically nothing" and he mockingly retorted "and that is all you will get for them" and laughed in my face. I stifled my urge to exchange foul words with him, as that is not the way I conduct business. In my silence, the man continued to berate and disparage me until I spoke up and told him that I typically deal with diamonds & rare stones, not mineral specimens. That peaked his interest and he asked me if I had any with me. I did, but at that point he had entirely discredited himself and I had no desire to do any type of business with him. On my way out he offered his business card, but I declined.

I have a very thick skin, but I would NEVER refer Earthfire Gems Gallery to anyone after my experience. I suggest you steer clear and choose one of the other gem...

We stumbled upon Earthfire Gems during our trip to Santa Fe last year, and what a hidden jewel it turned out to be. Now, I’ll be honest—I have zero interest in gems, stones, fossils, beads, or anything in that world. But my wife? She was in absolute heaven.

Everywhere she turned, there was something new to admire—a sparkling gem, a rare fossil, rows of beautiful jewelry, and trays of beads she couldn’t take her eyes off. While she was happily hunting for treasures, I found myself talking with the man working there. And let me tell you—he was one of the most interesting people I’ve met in a long time. The stories he shared about the origins of the pieces in the store absolutely captivated me. I walked in thinking I’d be killing time… and ended up learning more than I expected and genuinely enjoying myself.

We came back this year, and somehow… it was even better. The owner was there this time—an incredibly smart and fascinating man with a lifetime of stories and knowledge packed into every corner of that shop. Earthfire Gems isn’t just a store—it’s an experience.

Whether you’re a collector, a casual shopper, a jewelry lover, or someone like me who doesn’t know a ruby from a rock, there is something in this shop that will stop you in your tracks. And according to my wife, the prices are fantastic too.

If you’re in Santa Fe and even remotely curious about gems, jewelry, or natural history—or you just want to meet some genuinely kind, fascinating people—make sure Earthfire Gems is on your list. You...

Last Sunday, we stopped in and purchase two arrowheads at Earthfire Gems Gallery. Wave, the owner, offered to take the arrowheads to his home that evening and prepare them with drilling and adding jump rings. He stated the items would be available the next day at 9:30 am and we were to come back at this time. When we showed the next morning, he did not appear. We had to catch a scheduled airline flight back to the east coast and left Sante Fe thinking we had been taken. Midday, Wave called apologetic that earlier commitments had gotten in his way to meet but stated the items would be shipped immediately. True to his word, we received the arrowheads within three days. In today’s world, genuine honesty is a treasure and Wave’s commitment and follow through is a perfect example of...