Our School brings the learning which our customers value to you

Our store has been receiving great reviews from our customers and we couldn't be more thrilled! The most common comment mentioned in these reviews is how much they enjoyed, valued, and benefited from the learning experience we provide. We are excited to announce that our online school is now up and running, designed to bring that same exceptional learning experience to a wider audience. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to expand your knowledge and grow your skills from the comfort of your own home. Visit our school and enroll today!
Write your awesome label here.

Our stories are for YOU

Adults

Are you curious about rocks and crystals, or intrigued by the mysteries of deep time? Delve into the fascinating world of geology and uncover the secrets of our planet's history. Explore the wonders of the Earth and unlock the mysteries of the past. Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and knowledge!

Kids 7 and up

Rocks and dinosaurs never fail to captivate the minds of most children. Our school is the perfect place for those eager to delve deeper into these fascinating subjects and satisfy their curiosity!

Students

Our courses offer exciting pathways to delve deeper into your studies, providing invaluable support for your projects and facilitating advanced learning opportunities.

Enhancing formal classes

Our stories bring a whole new level of excitement to formal studies and provide a unique perspective for home schooling projects and learning.

Your Teacher

 Janet Roberts has been the proud owner and manager of Gems of the West, a rock shop located in Big Bear, California, since 2016. Alongside her husband, they offer a wide selection of rocks, minerals, jewelry, metaphysical products, and dinosaur artifacts to their valued customers. In 2009, she was honored as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts for her work in training adults and charities on navigating new EU regulations. She is highly sought after in the UK for her expertise in delivering courses and providing mentorship through online learning platforms.

Experience

Janet has dedicated 55 years to the field of education, beginning her career in UK comprehensive schools before transitioning to roles as an adult educator, education officer overseeing Leeds City Centre's educational programs, and managing adult literacy initiatives in Dorset and community education in Derbyshire. Her leadership skills were further honed during her tenure as Principal of Morley College in London, where she oversaw the education of more than 13,550 adult students.

Geology

Janet attended high school while residing on the outskirts of Dartmoor in the Southwest of England, where her passion for volcanic geology first took root. Upon graduation, she obtained qualifications in Biology, Geography, and Geology. For the initial three years of her marriage, she and her husband resided on the Moor, followed later by 27 years living in the Volcanic Peak District, where she further honed her expertise in volcanic geology. Subsequently, she relocated to the Western United States, where her interest in this field continues.

Teaching

After becoming certified as a teacher in the UK, she instructed biology and chemistry to students aged 11 to 18. Her passion for teaching extended to adults, a field in which she remains active to this day. From 2006 to 2009, her company delivered training courses to nearly 1,000 individuals across the UK, earning her a prestigious National Training Award. She is highly sought after in the UK for her expertise in delivering courses and providing mentorship through online learning platforms.

Write your awesome label here.
Overview

What our customers have posted about their learning in our store

Enthralled Toddler

  My toddler daughter was enthralled and she shared all kinds of facts with her and showed her cool crystals an fossils and piece of the only crystal shops I’ve taken her to where she could really touch things (supervised closely, of course).

Questions answered

Very knowledgeable staff. They are kind and were quick to answer my 11 year old son's questions. He loved this place. 

Learn about the history

It was so fun to shop and learn about some of the amazing gems. It was great to hear about how their gems are sourced and some of the history behind a few of their  pieces.  

Stories behind the rocks

What a wonderful shop! One of the best rock shops I've been to. Janet was so helpful and enjoyable to talk to about all the different rocks they carried and the stories behind them. Absolutely worth the drive!!

Instilling awe and wonder

Every staff member we have met is always so friendly and great with kids. Their stories instill a sense of awe and wonder about the world

A great lesson

We had a great lesson on all things rocks and gems. My kids really enjoyed learning from this retired teacher and will take the lesson thru life. Should be listed as a top thing to do while in Big Bear.
Created with