About Us

The Rock Warehouse is owned by Steve and Janet Applebaum. They have been in the rock business for 39 years.

In 1987, Steve Applebaum left his former careers as a real estate broker, geologist with Phelps Dodge, and teacher to embark on a new adventure. He established a business under the name of Desert Gems, located in the Denver metro area. In the first years, the business consisted of 15 shows more or less per year, plus sales to retail businesses in the neighboring areas.

He was soon joined by Janet, who left her job as a French teacher in the Boulder school district to take the plunge into self employment. In 1991, the Denver retail store, Denver Gems, was opened, and this became Janet's main area of responsibility. The store grew to become the Denver metro area's largest bead, rock and mineral shop.

In April of 2008, Desert Gems was sold to very well qualified owners who have added to the merchandise in an impressive way. We suggest that you visit this store if you're ever in Lakewood, Colorado.

In 2008, we rebranded as The Rock Warehouse, and embraced wholesale supply. The business continues to be a wholesale leader in supplying rock and gift shops, show dealers, metaphysical stores, museum shops, artists, craftsmen, and rockhounds in the Southwest US, nationally in the USA and Canada, and worldwide. We hope to meet you soon at one of the shows featured in the site - or better yet in our Lakewood, Colorado, warehouse.