NW Rockhounds — Local services in Seattle

Visited a while ago. Had to think about my review. First off what they don't tell you is there maybe a line with a wait of about 20 to 30 minutes when you get there. So prepare to wait to get inside. We waited forever to get inside even considered leaving, but didn't cause we really wanted to visit this store. Until we finally got in. Overall The staff didn't seem very friendly to me. Just greedy and extremely condescending. Didn't even get to see the whole store before they wanted us to go. They definitely made me so nervous I couldn't focus the whole time I was in there, but the worst part is the smug looks they gave each other during check out and were really ungrateful for the business my friends and I gave them. I have the vibe they get enough customers they feel like they can afford to be rude to some and not care about how they feel or wether or not they want to come back. I respect covid policies more than anybody. But I was in there with my friends who I did not want to rush or insult by waiting outside for them because they invited me and took time out of their day to pick me up from my home and drive a long way to visit your location. For this. The owner painted me as an "inconsiderate" villain in my last review. He even went as far as to legitimately lie in his response to my friends review. Claiming a member in our group didn't even purchase anything. I really don't appreciate your bullying or slander. You don't even know me. But I know you've been disrespectful and will likely continue to be rude, to me and my friends. I never want to come back to this place, as I definitely didn't feel welcomed or appreciated much more held in contempt and like another transaction. But the owner is completely right. We shouldn't have stayed in there so long, we should have just dropped everything, bought nothing, and left and if I was a really good friend I shouldn't have let my friend finish her transaction after you people gave each other those awful smug looks right infront of the 3 of us like we weren't there. This is my explanation for giving you a one star and why I will not be returning. You'll obviously be alright based off most your reviews and your apprentice seem to work...

My husband likes rocks, my kids like bugs and I like jewelry - this store is a total win.

Walking through the door you are kind of mind blown by how many treasures await. Seriously, you don't know where to start! But before you do, the owner welcomes you in like an old friend. I've met a couple other staff over my visits and they have also been incredibly knowledgable and friendly.

I'm always hesitant to bring my kids with me to shop anywhere as they want to touch everything. This place has a plan for that! They have a giant trunk full of small rocks and allow kids to pick one to keep. With so many colors and shapes, it keeps my kids very busy while I browse.

Being from Ellensburg, I was thrilled to find the most stunning wire wrapped blue agate which quickly became one of my most cherished pieces. And a serious bonus that the artist that wrapped it teaches a wire wrapping class here! I too could someday learn to make something so cool.

I love that this store doesn't just sell cool things, it offers you the chance to learn too. Want to rockhound? They sell books and tools for all levels of enthusiasts. Not sure what to do with your rocks? They have classes on how to polish, cut, wrap, etc. It's truly a special place for anyone with an interest.

They have kids classes too! My sons took the Insect Safari which was amazing! This dude shows up with so many bugs! Not just dead ones but LIVE ONES for kids to touch and learn about. I never thought I'd like cockroaches but they were pretty freakin cool when you aren't finding them in a hotel room!

So grateful that a store like this exists in our neck of the woods. Whether you are into rocks or just like learning about stuff or want a new pair of garnet earrings, they've got you.

I also appreciate the precautions they've taken to keep us all safe during this pandemic. This past year has sucked for everyone. Limiting capacity is not a fun choice, especially for a small business, but it allowed us to feel safe during our visit giving us the space to wander. (unlike certain grocery stores, ahem!)

Oh, and they have the...

I don’t generally write reviews but my experience here was awful. I drove from Port Angeles with a friend to check out this rock shop and one other. In general, people I’ve met in the rock world are very kind, welcoming people. I did not find that here. Although the man and woman working were nice when we first arrived, that was not the case 15 mins later when 2 others entered the store and they hit max capacity (4 person limit due to Covid). I had just discovered they had a rock room a few minutes before the others arrived and because it’s so small, it’s not safe for 2 people to be in at the same time. My friend was still browsing the vast array of cabachons while I searched rough rock, when I heard the woman say, “those that have been here the longest need to wrap it up and let others browse!” in a very rude tone. I hadn’t gotten a chance to look through most of the rock but didn’t want to ignore the situation. So I walked back out to glance around one last time and checkout, when I was met with total attitude. The woman couldn’t be bothered to put her dog down and bag my friends rocks, which would’ve been helpful as she was carrying a toddler and holding a few other things. I went to pay and saw some really beautiful plume agate pieces in the display case. I was admiring them and when inquiring about the pieces (I was most likely going to purchase them) I was again met with total attitude. She could hardly be bothered to show me and was probably moments away from the biggest eye roll you’d ever seen. So I started putting some things back (very overpriced, btw) and bought a couple slabs, which of course, upset them even more. If you don’t want to be nice or at least pretend to be, I have no interest in spending my money on your product. I would’ve spent around $100 but spent $12 (on 2 little slabs) instead. Lesson learned but I truly wouldn’t recommend this rock shop. There’s soo many others where you’ll meet lovely, genuine people and feel good about...