After getting a recommendation from my previous rock shop family (who recently closed its doors: Shu's Rock Shop), I found myself driving from my stationed home to North Houston just to browse at some rocks since there is no longer any rock shops near my area.
The owner Carol King is such a sweet lady and I even got a chance to meet her in person at the Houston Gem and Mineral Show last weekend: November 11th.
As I spoke with the owner, Carol King that morning she was telling me that she wouldn't be there and that she would come on Saturday. I knew I wouldn't be in North Houston on Saturday and decided to visit the rock shop on Friday instead. Before I got off the phone, she reminded me that it was located within the Northwest Mall.
When I arrive to the area, from the outside the mall looks just like Almeda Mall, but its a lot more vacant and looks run-down. No, worries. Also, what surprised me was that it is located inside of the antique mall.
I thought, "Super cool!" As I walked inside the establishment, I spoke to this guy sitting in the front with a sign that read, "Bags to be checked". I asked the guy where would I find Kings Gem Center and he told me that it was on aisle 7. Then, I asked him if he needed to check my bag, but to my concern he reassured me that the sign only applied to individuals who were shopping in the mall.
So, as I am walking to aisle 7, I see various of antiques everywhere. Wow, this place is huge!
Finally, I arrive to what seems like a rock corner rather than a rock shop because of how tiny the space was. I was a little disappointed to find this small area and not a full blown shop as I was hoping to find a birthday gift for my mum.
However, I'll give them another try when I come back with my sister. Hopefully, next time I come back, the owner would be available.
Also, if you plan on coming it would be best to call before you just show up. Additionally, they have been in the lapidaries business since 1971. read more