Premier Gem Mine & Jewelry Store in Franklin
At The Gemstone Gallery, nestled in the heart of Franklin, North Carolina, we take pride in our rich heritage of gemstone craftsmanship and our scenic gem mining experience along the beautiful Cullasaja river. As a family-run business that has flourished over decades, we serve a broad area including Highlands, Cashiers, the Macon County area, Clayton (GA), and Lake Burton (GA), offering a unique blend of products and services that cater to both gem enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Our main offerings include high-quality gold and silver gemstone jewelry, a vast array of gemstone specimens, and a diverse selection of cut loose gemstones, all characterized by select styles and great prices. Additionally, our gem mining tours provide a fun and educational attraction for tourists and locals wanting to learn about gem mining.
We also specialize in creating and designing handmade gold and silver jewelry and beaded necklaces, right here in our workshop by experienced jewelers. For those looking to verify the authenticity of their gems, our jewelry appraisal services are available, conducted by a qualified GIA graduate gemologist. Whether you are decorating your home or office with our all-natural gemstone decor, such as Amethyst Geodes and Agate slice lamps, or looking to add a unique piece to your jewelry collection, The Gemstone Gallery is your destination for all things gems and jewelry. For more information, to schedule a visit, or to inquire about our products and services, please call us at 828-342-3135 or message us via WhatsApp on the same number.
Customer Stories
My grand daughter wanted to go gem mining for her birthday. We drove two hours to go here and we were NOT disappointed! They both were so kind and stayed with us to explain what each gem was, which the kids loved! If you want a hands on experience I would definitely recommend them! Icing on the cake was she offered to take pictures of us all and send them to us!
My grand daughter wanted to go gem mining for her birthday. We drove two hours to go here and we were NOT disappointed! They both were so kind and stayed with us to explain what each gem was, which the kids loved! If you want a hands on experience I would definitely recommend them! Icing on the cake was she offered to take pictures of us all and send them to us!
We had a great time at Highlands Road Gem Mine! My husband and I brought our 3.5 year old and he couldn’t get enough! The owners Varshana and Earl were so friendly and attentive and we found lots of beautiful, colorful gems in various sizes too! I would suggest a visit to anyone visiting the area!
We had a great time at Highlands Road Gem Mine! My husband and I brought our 3.5 year old and he couldn’t get enough! The owners Varshana and Earl were so friendly and attentive and we found lots of beautiful, colorful gems in various sizes too! I would suggest a visit to anyone visiting the area!
This place was absolutely amazing. We had the best time and the owners were so sweet and so helpful with what we were wanting and they were very fast getting the jewelry we had made. Will definitely be going back there in the future ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This place was absolutely amazing. We had the best time and the owners were so sweet and so helpful with what we were wanting and they were very fast getting the jewelry we had made. Will definitely be going back there in the future ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Varshana was very knowledgeable & as friendly as one can be. Super affordable, quality gems & jewelry. She also did jewelry repair for me on items I already had. Cannot say enough good about their place!
Varshana was very knowledgeable & as friendly as one can be. Super affordable, quality gems & jewelry. She also did jewelry repair for me on items I already had. Cannot say enough good about their place!
Varshana and Earl are lovely, knowledgeable, and so kind. They happily answered all of our questions and were patient with us throughout our shopping trip. We will definitely be back the next time we’re in Franklin!
Varshana and Earl are lovely, knowledgeable, and so kind. They happily answered all of our questions and were patient with us throughout our shopping trip. We will definitely be back the next time we’re in Franklin!
I bought 2 bags of dirt,gems and minerals from this nice couple. I am taking them home so my granddaughters can enjoy them . Hopefully they will strike it rich. I am already rich just having them in my life.Big thanks to the folks for helping
I bought 2 bags of dirt,gems and minerals from this nice couple. I am taking them home so my granddaughters can enjoy them . Hopefully they will strike it rich. I am already rich just having them in my life.Big thanks to the folks for helping
Beautiful store filled with treasures from all over the world! We went to gem mine but enjoyed the store and visiting with the owners. Left with some affordable treasures for our 8-year old. Will definitely be back to mine and visit the store.
Beautiful store filled with treasures from all over the world! We went to gem mine but enjoyed the store and visiting with the owners. Left with some affordable treasures for our 8-year old. Will definitely be back to mine and visit the store.
We left with a great variety of beautiful gems! The owners are so friendly and knowledgeable. They have a beautiful store full of gem products. We were helped with our set up to start searching for gems. And they identified what we were finding. Just a great experience all around. Will definitely return!
We left with a great variety of beautiful gems! The owners are so friendly and knowledgeable. They have a beautiful store full of gem products. We were helped with our set up to start searching for gems. And they identified what we were finding. Just a great experience all around. Will definitely return!
The owners were friendly and welcoming, and they also knew a lot about restaurants and other things to do in the area - so they are a great first stop if you are new to the area. Our kids loved being able to sift through their buckets to find gems, and they were even more excited to be able to keep the gems they found. We all had a blast! Well worth the trip!
The owners were friendly and welcoming, and they also knew a lot about restaurants and other things to do in the area - so they are a great first stop if you are new to the area. Our kids loved being able to sift through their buckets to find gems, and they were even more excited to be able to keep the gems they found. We all had a blast! Well worth the trip!
We saw this place on the road when on vacation with the kids and immediately turned around! The kids shared a $40 bucket and got so many beautiful gems and crystals! They had so much fun. Afterward, we visited the store where they have beautiful gems and stones for purchase and at a really fair price. The owners are wonderful and so nice!
We saw this place on the road when on vacation with the kids and immediately turned around! The kids shared a $40 bucket and got so many beautiful gems and crystals! They had so much fun. Afterward, we visited the store where they have beautiful gems and stones for purchase and at a really fair price. The owners are wonderful and so nice!
I have been to many gem mines in North Carolina, and I tell you this one is special! The owners are kind, knowledgeable, helpful and very involved. Our group left with a few bags of beautiful, large gems! The location also boasts a fantastic store where you can see lots of different kinds of crystals and cut gems. They also have some very unique ways of cutting stones! This is truly a “hidden gem”. If you want a fun, educational, and special experience, go to Highlands Road Gem Mine
I have been to many gem mines in North Carolina, and I tell you this one is special! The owners are kind, knowledgeable, helpful and very involved. Our group left with a few bags of beautiful, large gems! The location also boasts a fantastic store where you can see lots of different kinds of crystals and cut gems. They also have some very unique ways of cutting stones! This is truly a “hidden gem”. If you want a fun, educational, and special experience, go to Highlands Road Gem Mine
What a great experience this was! It was our first time gem mining and this place did not disappoint. The owners were very friendly and knowledgeable. My girls had blast looking for gems and the views where just as incredible. Def will be going back next time we are in the area.
What a great experience this was! It was our first time gem mining and this place did not disappoint. The owners were very friendly and knowledgeable. My girls had blast looking for gems and the views where just as incredible. Def will be going back next time we are in the area.
Came to visit family in NC and wanted to check out a little mining activity with the kids since that's a popular thing to do. They had a beautiful store with beautiful jewelry and decor pieces inside. Sifting are buckets was fun and the kids 4 and 5 years old loved it. The woman and man that run it were so nice and were very active with everyone. They teach us about the gems we were collecting. Answered lots of questions. They took pictures and sent them to us. We were there just over 2 in a half hours which was great for little kids. Over all it was a great experience.
Came to visit family in NC and wanted to check out a little mining activity with the kids since that's a popular thing to do. They had a beautiful store with beautiful jewelry and decor pieces inside. Sifting are buckets was fun and the kids 4 and 5 years old loved it. The woman and man that run it were so nice and were very active with everyone. They teach us about the gems we were collecting. Answered lots of questions. They took pictures and sent them to us. We were there just over 2 in a half hours which was great for little kids. Over all it was a great experience.
This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We looked around for different gem mines and are very glad that this is the one that we chose. The owners are amazing and extremely knowledgeable with almost 50 years in the industry. They help you through the process and answer any and all questions that you might have while helping you identify your gems. We also got so many awesome finds from our bucket. On top of all of that, they have a large shop with incredible pieces. Additionally, they made sure we got our gem faceted in time before we left to drive home. 100% would recommend this place and will be coming back next time we visit.
This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We looked around for different gem mines and are very glad that this is the one that we chose. The owners are amazing and extremely knowledgeable with almost 50 years in the industry. They help you through the process and answer any and all questions that you might have while helping you identify your gems. We also got so many awesome finds from our bucket. On top of all of that, they have a large shop with incredible pieces. Additionally, they made sure we got our gem faceted in time before we left to drive home. 100% would recommend this place and will be coming back next time we visit.
We just finished mining for gems here! All their buckets had gems. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They let my nephew and niece (7 and 3) join in and even let them ask all the crazy questions without getting annoyed! I would definitely come back here!! Highly recommend to anyone!
We just finished mining for gems here! All their buckets had gems. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They let my nephew and niece (7 and 3) join in and even let them ask all the crazy questions without getting annoyed! I would definitely come back here!! Highly recommend to anyone!
I wish I could give more than a 5 star rating! Beautiful selection of gems. The owners are such a lovely couple. They really took their time with the kids while they were mining and explained all the gems they found. We will definitely be back next time we are in this area!
I wish I could give more than a 5 star rating! Beautiful selection of gems. The owners are such a lovely couple. They really took their time with the kids while they were mining and explained all the gems they found. We will definitely be back next time we are in this area!
It was such a great experience. This woman has so much experience with gems. Her and husband were extremely helpful and not to mention the nicest people you will ever meet. I will definitely be coming back to see. She has an amazing collection of jewelry and is also able to make you custom pieces. Beautiful collection and wonderful prices on items. My new favorite place!!! 😁😁
It was such a great experience. This woman has so much experience with gems. Her and husband were extremely helpful and not to mention the nicest people you will ever meet. I will definitely be coming back to see. She has an amazing collection of jewelry and is also able to make you custom pieces. Beautiful collection and wonderful prices on items. My new favorite place!!! 😁😁
My grand daughter wanted to go gem mining for her birthday. We drove two hours to go here and we were NOT disappointed! They both were so kind and stayed with us to explain what each gem was, which the kids loved! If you want a hands on experience I would definitely recommend them! Icing on the cake was she offered to take pictures of us all and send them to us!
My grand daughter wanted to go gem mining for her birthday. We drove two hours to go here and we were NOT disappointed! They both were so kind and stayed with us to explain what each gem was, which the kids loved! If you want a hands on experience I would definitely recommend them! Icing on the cake was she offered to take pictures of us all and send them to us!
We had a great time at Highlands Road Gem Mine! My husband and I brought our 3.5 year old and he couldn’t get enough! The owners Varshana and Earl were so friendly and attentive and we found lots of beautiful, colorful gems in various sizes too! I would suggest a visit to anyone visiting the area!
We had a great time at Highlands Road Gem Mine! My husband and I brought our 3.5 year old and he couldn’t get enough! The owners Varshana and Earl were so friendly and attentive and we found lots of beautiful, colorful gems in various sizes too! I would suggest a visit to anyone visiting the area!
This place was absolutely amazing. We had the best time and the owners were so sweet and so helpful with what we were wanting and they were very fast getting the jewelry we had made. Will definitely be going back there in the future ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This place was absolutely amazing. We had the best time and the owners were so sweet and so helpful with what we were wanting and they were very fast getting the jewelry we had made. Will definitely be going back there in the future ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Varshana was very knowledgeable & as friendly as one can be. Super affordable, quality gems & jewelry. She also did jewelry repair for me on items I already had. Cannot say enough good about their place!
Varshana was very knowledgeable & as friendly as one can be. Super affordable, quality gems & jewelry. She also did jewelry repair for me on items I already had. Cannot say enough good about their place!
Varshana and Earl are lovely, knowledgeable, and so kind. They happily answered all of our questions and were patient with us throughout our shopping trip. We will definitely be back the next time we’re in Franklin!
Varshana and Earl are lovely, knowledgeable, and so kind. They happily answered all of our questions and were patient with us throughout our shopping trip. We will definitely be back the next time we’re in Franklin!
I bought 2 bags of dirt,gems and minerals from this nice couple. I am taking them home so my granddaughters can enjoy them . Hopefully they will strike it rich. I am already rich just having them in my life.Big thanks to the folks for helping
I bought 2 bags of dirt,gems and minerals from this nice couple. I am taking them home so my granddaughters can enjoy them . Hopefully they will strike it rich. I am already rich just having them in my life.Big thanks to the folks for helping
Beautiful store filled with treasures from all over the world! We went to gem mine but enjoyed the store and visiting with the owners. Left with some affordable treasures for our 8-year old. Will definitely be back to mine and visit the store.
Beautiful store filled with treasures from all over the world! We went to gem mine but enjoyed the store and visiting with the owners. Left with some affordable treasures for our 8-year old. Will definitely be back to mine and visit the store.
We left with a great variety of beautiful gems! The owners are so friendly and knowledgeable. They have a beautiful store full of gem products. We were helped with our set up to start searching for gems. And they identified what we were finding. Just a great experience all around. Will definitely return!
We left with a great variety of beautiful gems! The owners are so friendly and knowledgeable. They have a beautiful store full of gem products. We were helped with our set up to start searching for gems. And they identified what we were finding. Just a great experience all around. Will definitely return!
The owners were friendly and welcoming, and they also knew a lot about restaurants and other things to do in the area - so they are a great first stop if you are new to the area. Our kids loved being able to sift through their buckets to find gems, and they were even more excited to be able to keep the gems they found. We all had a blast! Well worth the trip!
The owners were friendly and welcoming, and they also knew a lot about restaurants and other things to do in the area - so they are a great first stop if you are new to the area. Our kids loved being able to sift through their buckets to find gems, and they were even more excited to be able to keep the gems they found. We all had a blast! Well worth the trip!
We saw this place on the road when on vacation with the kids and immediately turned around! The kids shared a $40 bucket and got so many beautiful gems and crystals! They had so much fun. Afterward, we visited the store where they have beautiful gems and stones for purchase and at a really fair price. The owners are wonderful and so nice!
We saw this place on the road when on vacation with the kids and immediately turned around! The kids shared a $40 bucket and got so many beautiful gems and crystals! They had so much fun. Afterward, we visited the store where they have beautiful gems and stones for purchase and at a really fair price. The owners are wonderful and so nice!
I have been to many gem mines in North Carolina, and I tell you this one is special! The owners are kind, knowledgeable, helpful and very involved. Our group left with a few bags of beautiful, large gems! The location also boasts a fantastic store where you can see lots of different kinds of crystals and cut gems. They also have some very unique ways of cutting stones! This is truly a “hidden gem”. If you want a fun, educational, and special experience, go to Highlands Road Gem Mine
I have been to many gem mines in North Carolina, and I tell you this one is special! The owners are kind, knowledgeable, helpful and very involved. Our group left with a few bags of beautiful, large gems! The location also boasts a fantastic store where you can see lots of different kinds of crystals and cut gems. They also have some very unique ways of cutting stones! This is truly a “hidden gem”. If you want a fun, educational, and special experience, go to Highlands Road Gem Mine
What a great experience this was! It was our first time gem mining and this place did not disappoint. The owners were very friendly and knowledgeable. My girls had blast looking for gems and the views where just as incredible. Def will be going back next time we are in the area.
What a great experience this was! It was our first time gem mining and this place did not disappoint. The owners were very friendly and knowledgeable. My girls had blast looking for gems and the views where just as incredible. Def will be going back next time we are in the area.
Came to visit family in NC and wanted to check out a little mining activity with the kids since that's a popular thing to do. They had a beautiful store with beautiful jewelry and decor pieces inside. Sifting are buckets was fun and the kids 4 and 5 years old loved it. The woman and man that run it were so nice and were very active with everyone. They teach us about the gems we were collecting. Answered lots of questions. They took pictures and sent them to us. We were there just over 2 in a half hours which was great for little kids. Over all it was a great experience.
Came to visit family in NC and wanted to check out a little mining activity with the kids since that's a popular thing to do. They had a beautiful store with beautiful jewelry and decor pieces inside. Sifting are buckets was fun and the kids 4 and 5 years old loved it. The woman and man that run it were so nice and were very active with everyone. They teach us about the gems we were collecting. Answered lots of questions. They took pictures and sent them to us. We were there just over 2 in a half hours which was great for little kids. Over all it was a great experience.
This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We looked around for different gem mines and are very glad that this is the one that we chose. The owners are amazing and extremely knowledgeable with almost 50 years in the industry. They help you through the process and answer any and all questions that you might have while helping you identify your gems. We also got so many awesome finds from our bucket. On top of all of that, they have a large shop with incredible pieces. Additionally, they made sure we got our gem faceted in time before we left to drive home. 100% would recommend this place and will be coming back next time we visit.
This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We looked around for different gem mines and are very glad that this is the one that we chose. The owners are amazing and extremely knowledgeable with almost 50 years in the industry. They help you through the process and answer any and all questions that you might have while helping you identify your gems. We also got so many awesome finds from our bucket. On top of all of that, they have a large shop with incredible pieces. Additionally, they made sure we got our gem faceted in time before we left to drive home. 100% would recommend this place and will be coming back next time we visit.
We just finished mining for gems here! All their buckets had gems. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They let my nephew and niece (7 and 3) join in and even let them ask all the crazy questions without getting annoyed! I would definitely come back here!! Highly recommend to anyone!
We just finished mining for gems here! All their buckets had gems. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They let my nephew and niece (7 and 3) join in and even let them ask all the crazy questions without getting annoyed! I would definitely come back here!! Highly recommend to anyone!
I wish I could give more than a 5 star rating! Beautiful selection of gems. The owners are such a lovely couple. They really took their time with the kids while they were mining and explained all the gems they found. We will definitely be back next time we are in this area!
I wish I could give more than a 5 star rating! Beautiful selection of gems. The owners are such a lovely couple. They really took their time with the kids while they were mining and explained all the gems they found. We will definitely be back next time we are in this area!
It was such a great experience. This woman has so much experience with gems. Her and husband were extremely helpful and not to mention the nicest people you will ever meet. I will definitely be coming back to see. She has an amazing collection of jewelry and is also able to make you custom pieces. Beautiful collection and wonderful prices on items. My new favorite place!!! 😁😁
It was such a great experience. This woman has so much experience with gems. Her and husband were extremely helpful and not to mention the nicest people you will ever meet. I will definitely be coming back to see. She has an amazing collection of jewelry and is also able to make you custom pieces. Beautiful collection and wonderful prices on items. My new favorite place!!! 😁😁
My grand daughter wanted to go gem mining for her birthday. We drove two hours to go here and we were NOT disappointed! They both were so kind and stayed with us to explain what each gem was, which the kids loved! If you want a hands on experience I would definitely recommend them! Icing on the cake was she offered to take pictures of us all and send them to us!
My grand daughter wanted to go gem mining for her birthday. We drove two hours to go here and we were NOT disappointed! They both were so kind and stayed with us to explain what each gem was, which the kids loved! If you want a hands on experience I would definitely recommend them! Icing on the cake was she offered to take pictures of us all and send them to us!
We had a great time at Highlands Road Gem Mine! My husband and I brought our 3.5 year old and he couldn’t get enough! The owners Varshana and Earl were so friendly and attentive and we found lots of beautiful, colorful gems in various sizes too! I would suggest a visit to anyone visiting the area!
We had a great time at Highlands Road Gem Mine! My husband and I brought our 3.5 year old and he couldn’t get enough! The owners Varshana and Earl were so friendly and attentive and we found lots of beautiful, colorful gems in various sizes too! I would suggest a visit to anyone visiting the area!