About Us
Our Story
As a trained silversmith, Rock Candy Shop's owner, Christa Tess Kalk, has always had a deep passion for jewelry-making and the world of stones. Her husband, Jay, is a skilled lapidary artist and the creator of the well-loved Minnestona necklaces—agates cut into the shape of Minnesota. Together, their shared love of rocks and gems has become the heartbeat of Rock Candy Shop.
Each year, Christa and Jay travel to the world’s largest gem show in Tucson, Arizona, building lasting relationships with vendors from around the world. They also explore smaller gem shows across the U.S., continually discovering unique crystals, minerals, and fossils to bring home to customers.
When Christa’s previous business, Minnesota Makers, neared its end, she saw the perfect opportunity to expand her passion for rocks and gems into a fresh new venture—Rock Candy Shop. The concept first debuted inside Minnesota Makers in the summer of 2024, and it quickly became clear that customers loved it. With the official announcement of Minnesota Makers’ closure in November 2024, the exciting next chapter was revealed: Rock Candy would become a standalone shop opening in March 2025.
The dream has been to combine rocks and candy for the ultimate experience and here we are, in the shop where
Rocks + Candy = Rock Candy!
We’re also keeping a piece of Minnesota Makers’ creative spirit alive. Craft classes continue at Rock Candy, and as you explore the shop, you’ll spot the work of several beloved local makers who remain part of our community.
