I have always loved rocks—the colors, patterns, textures, and the simple thrill of never quite knowing what you might find. Some are beautiful the moment you pick them up, while others look completely ordinary until you cut into them and discover what has been hiding beneath the surface. Every rock has a story, and part of the adventure is finding out what that story might become.
One of the things I love most about lapidary is watching that transformation unfold. A rough, sometimes downright ugly rock can become a beautiful polished stone, and from there, it may take on an entirely new life as part of a piece of jewelry. Watching that journey happen step by step is amazing—and there is something especially rewarding about seeing it take shape through the work of your own hands.
Around The Rock Shop, I’ll share the stones we find, the places and adventures behind them, the process of turning rough rock into polished pieces, and the jewelry that sometimes comes next. Come look through the rock piles, peek over my shoulder at the lapidary bench, see what is taking shape at the jeweler’s bench, and maybe discover a few beautiful things along the way.
The Rock Shop
Every rock has a story just waiting to be discovered.
Rockhounding & Collecting
Rocks, Minerals & Specimens
Lapidary & Cabochons
Sometimes the right stone is only the beginning. Here I’ll share the process of turning stones and metal into finished jewelry, from silversmithing and wirework to design, techniques, works in progress, and the one-of-a-kind pieces that come together at my bench.
There is something exciting about heading out with no idea what might be waiting to be found. Come along for rockhounding adventures, collecting stories, field tips, favorite finds, and a closer look at some of the places and stones that make the hunt half the fun.
Not every beautiful rock needs to become something else. Here I’ll share interesting specimens, stone profiles, identification and geology, favorite finds, and a closer look at the colors, patterns, formations, and little details that make each piece worth stopping to examine.
One of my favorite parts of working with stone is discovering what is hidden beneath the rough surface. Step into the lapidary shop for cutting, shaping, polishing, cabochon making, tools and techniques, and plenty of before-and-after looks at stones as they reveal what was inside all along.
Explore The Rock Shop
Silversmithing & Jewelry
From Around The Rock Shop
Take a peek at some of the stones, works in progress, finished pieces, and interesting finds making their way through The Rock Shop.
Latest from The Rock Shop
Explore the newest rockhounding stories, stone features, lapidary projects, jewelry work, tutorials, and discoveries from around the shop.
Bring a Little of The Home Home With You
Find a stone or finished piece that speaks to you? Explore hand-cut cabochons, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and other unique creations made right here at Rach’s Place.
Have Sometime Special in Mind?
Some stones seem destined for a particular person or piece. If you have a special stone, an idea you would like brought to life, or are looking for something made special just for you or someone special to you, let’s talk about creating something one of a kind.
Explore the Custom Jewelry Gallery & contact Rach to schedule a consultation.
Explore More of The Home
The Entry & Living Room | The Kitchen & Dining Room | The Laundry & Linen Room
The Bath & Dressing Room | The Holiday Closet | The Craft Room