About Desert Treasures

Desert Treasures was founded Oct. 6, 1973 by Robert and Dorothy Vander Leest, Wisconsinites who found a new, warmer, home in Arizona. Robert was an old fashion rock hound, and the initial inventory of the store was from his collection. Dorothy added jewelry and other desert-oriented gifts, and "Viola!" a "Treasure" was born. Desert Treasures is currently owned and operated by Barbara Vander Leest PhD, Robert and Dorothy's daughter, who joined the business in 1995. Our customers include many faithful second and third generation patrons, as well as crowds of Arizona visitors, who flock to Desert Treasures for our excellent selection of quality minerals, fossils and gifts. Many of our customers return year after year knowing that our prices are fair and reasonable. Desert Treasures is open 7 days a week 363 days a year ( we play hooky on Thanksgiving and Christmas).

When you come to Desert Treasures, you can expect to find an interesting and eclectic mix of "Treasures". The foundation of the store remains the exceptional selection of minerals and fossils including petrified wood, amethyst, citrine, quartz, geodes and Desert Roses, as well as hundreds of other specimens. We also carry many acrylic and wooden stands for displaying minerals. You will also find a selection of decorator minerals to accent your home or office. The "Rock Room" is a spectacular vision of natures' beauty.

The "Southwest Room" features our excellent assortment of gemstone jewelry in turquoise, amethyst, amber and other semi precious stones set in sterling silver. Desert Treasures is thrilled to be the only Arizona retail seller for Massa of Santa Fe's one of a kind gemstone necklaces. Sterling silver earrings, pendants and pins with Southwestern motifs round out the jewelry section. Other Arizona/Southwest gifts include T-shirts and sweats; salsas, jellies and hot sauces; scents and lotions; lamps and decorator pieces; AZ books for children and adults; hand carved ironwood sculptures from Mexico; and Arizona souvenirs.

I hope you come to see us in person. We're located in Spanish Village in the Heart of Carefree, where Ho Road and Hum Road join to become Ho Hum (just 1/2 block from Easy Street). Yes, we are that laid back here; nestled in the beautiful Sonoran Desert Foothills. Check the map link, or call for directions.

If you can't make it in person, we're now pleased to offer a small selection for you to purchase on-line. Most of these items are one-of-a kind, so log-on or call right away to reserve your choice.

Thanks for your interest!

Barbara