Moore than Rocks arrives in downtown Kent

Published 2:59 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2014

While they specialize in gemstones and rocks
While they specialize in gemstones and rocks

Elissa and Richard Moore opened their new rock and gem emporium in May, and are looking toward a grand opening later in the summer.

More than Rocks arrived in Kent after Auburn’s Black Market Minerals closed in April. After a month of preparation, the Moore’s celebrated a soft opening on May 1 at 315 W. Meeker St., and have been working to open the rest of the store for a larger grand opening. They hope to help bring additional business to downtown Kent, which has numerous empty storefronts as customers and businesses go elsewhere.

“We hope to revitalize and bring an uplifting, positive environment to downtown,” said Elissa Moore.

The store specializes in rocks and minerals but also carries a hefty supply of oddities, such as tribal masks, dream catchers and other spiritual trinkets and effects.

Many of the objects are bought through Village Originals, a family-owned company that imports gems and ethnic art from Indonesia and Brazil.

“That lets me sleep well at night,” Elissa Moore said.

The couple plans to open a final back room for additional events for children, adults and families, and expects it to be done for their official opening near the end of July.