What started in a basement in Eckville in 2007 has since become a coast-to-coast sensation. Chris Robak, CFO of Silver Cove, recalls the early days of the now-thriving gemstone and mineral company. "Believe it or not, we started in our basement," he says. "We opened our first store in Lacombe, then expanded to Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer."
From those modest roots, Silver Cove has evolved into a multifaceted business that includes retail locations, a mining division, a wholesale warehouse, and an extensive schedule of gem and mineral shows across Canada.
Expanding horizons
Today, Silver Cove is preparing to cross international borders. "Now we're expanding to the U.S.," Robak shares. "It's been a long journey over the last 20 years."
Robak admits he never imagined the business would grow to this scale. "Every time we open the doors to a new show in a city like Halifax or somewhere in Ontario, I still get blown away by the crowd and their reaction," he says.
A passion passed down
Robak credits his father for sparking his interest in gemstones. "My dad got me into it years ago. He always had old rock and gem magazines around," he says. That early exposure grew into a lifelong passion, one he now shares with customers across the country.
Many facets of Silver Cove
Beyond its three Alberta stores, Silver Cove runs a mining division with 30 active gemstone properties in British Columbia and an ammolite site in southern Alberta. "We're mining everything from sapphires and peridot to quartz crystals and jade," Robak explains.
The company also operates a mineral preparation lab and a wholesale warehouse in Blackfalds. "We supply small businesses across Alberta and Canada. And we have a team doing live sales on Facebook and TikTok seven days a week," he says.
A highlight of the Silver Cove operation is its 36 gem and mineral shows held annually from Vancouver Island to Ottawa. "Next year, we aim to be coast to coast," Robak says, noting that logistics like venue availability are the only hurdle.
Committed to ethical mining
Unlike the heavy machinery featured in popular mining shows, Silver Cove practices low-impact, artisanal mining. "We use pry bars, shovels, and often rappel with 80-pound rock drills," Robak says. "We use helicopters to minimize environmental disruption."
A dream in motion
For Robak, Silver Cove is more than a business – it's a calling. "I'm living my dream," he says. "It's not just about the rocks. It's about creating that spark for the next generation."
Find Silver Cove
Those looking to explore Silver Cove's offerings can visit www.cangems.ca for show schedules or shop online at www.silvercove.net. Wholesale inquiries can be made directly through the website.