by Nancy Smith Seigle

Rockhounding started early for the owner and operator of Gary’s Gem Garden, in Mount Laurel. At just 11, and already dually gifted with an interest in all things science and art, Gary Weinstein began field collecting stones, gems and minerals of all types.

This early hobby eventually led him down the path to creating what is now the largest and oldest rock shop on the East Coast. “This fall, we will celebrate a milestone anniversary for the store, its 50th year in operation,” Weinstein says. “I have customers coming in pushing their children in strollers, telling me their parents first brought them in the store when they were in strollers.”

While much has stayed the same, a lot has also changed since 1973. Plugged into multiple social media accounts like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, along with a constantly updated website and easy texting capabilities, Gary’s Gem Garden customers stay connected and current with new products and services and can even enjoy shopping from the comfort of their own homes. Last year, the store initiated a loyalty program to give back and show appreciation for their many faithful customers.

He and his wife Denise have maintained high standards for their business throughout the decades, sourcing products from all over the world. New and unusual items are added daily. Half of this unique store displays pieces made from sterling silver, gold and platinum, beautifully designed by Gary and other artisans. Genuine gemstones in all forms including faceted and cabochons, and beads are also on display.

The other half of the store showcases minerals, crystals, metaphysical items, fossils, shells, tumbled gemstones, trees, wands, spheres, eggs, obelisks, pyramids, animal carvings, bookends, agate slabs, meteorites and much more.

Supporting causes is also important to this storied rock shop. “We are primary advocates for Alzheimer’s Awareness and show our continued support through the Alzheimer’s Association by making personal donations, fundraising and participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Ocean City,” Gary says, explaining his own mother, Estelle, suffered from the disease. “Our staff has crossed paths with this unkind disease in their own lives, so we make it a personal mission to support the Alzheimer’s Association and its purpose to raise awareness and fund the research necessary to, one day, end Alzheimer’s.”

Community minded, Gary’s Gem Garden holds family-friendly events throughout the year such as scavenger hunts for all ages with fun prizes. “Emily and Michelle make up our very personable staff. They are well-recognized and liked by our customers and are such a big help to us,” Gary says. “They actively engage our customers making Gary’s Gem Garden feel more like a family … They are the reason we can celebrate 50 years of service.”

Gary’s Gem Garden offers a wide variety of services including jewelry and watch cleaning and repair, machine and hand engraving, laser welding and plating, remounting and resizing rings, replacing and repairing clasps as well as restringing pearls and other beads.

“We will even repair costume jewelry, something other jewelry stores turn down,” Gary says. “We also repair pocketbooks, shoes, statuary, in-laid boxes, etc.”

Gary’s Gem Garden is located at 3119 Rte. 38, Ste. 1, in Mount Laurel. For more information, call or text 856-795-5077, email info@GarysGemGarden or visit www.GarysGemGarden.com.