Meet the Founder: Catherine Vargas of Rainbow Gemstonz
- Profile Interview by Teleah L. Mitchum
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Meet the Founder
Catherine Vargas is the owner and creator of Rainbow Gemstonz, where she sells a collection of handmade jewelry using semi-precious gems, crystals, and Petoskey stones.
Her passion for designing jewelry with rare and beautiful stones began with her love for geology as a child living on the banks of Lake Huron, while visiting her grandparents in Lexington, Michigan. Catherine would walk the shoreline collecting rocks, water glass, and Petoskey stones along her path.
Her interest in geology grew well into her college years, as did her collection of Petoskey stones, and other Michigan stones. Today, Catherine is a retired second grade teacher of Detroit Public Schools (DPS). During her time in the classroom, she incorporated her collection into her fossil reading unit, teaching students the art of polishing Petoskey stones.
“Fossils are a great hands-on educational experience that is relevant to this day,” says Catherine. Petoskey stones are made of coral that became extinct around 300 million years ago due to climate change. It’s also the official state stone of Michigan. This was one of her many reasons for starting Rainbow Gemstonz. Catherine enjoys introducing people to Michigan rocks linked to our geological history.
Products and Services
Rainbow Gemstonz - Crystals, Stones, and Accessories
The best seller at the market is her raw crystals and stones, which appeal to all ages for their beauty and healing properties. These can range in price from $2 - $15. Her best-kept secret is her gemstone bracelets, ranging from $15 - $35.
Rainbow Gemstonz - Herbs and Produce Garden
For the market opener at Jefferson Chalmers Farmers Market, Catherine also plans to bring some items from her garden. This includes bok choy, kale, leaf lettuce, and a variety of herbs.
Rainbow Gemstonz - Petoskey Stones and Accessories
Rainbow Gemstonz will also be running a market special: Make Your Own Petosky Stone Necklace. Polish, Lace, Wear. Kit, which includes: pre-drilled Petoskey stone, 4 polishing clothes, and black neck string for $15. Catherine is excited about the future growth of the market and is looking forward to bringing the same community vibe to the new permanent location at Jefferson Chalmers Farmers Market.
Why Rainbow Gemstonz is Unique
“They make a nice, inexpensive, beautiful gift that can enhance your mood and promote healing. Different stones have different properties, and I’m very particular about the gems I work with.” -Catherine Vargas
Fun Facts About the Founder
Catherine remembers making her first love beads (necklaces) as a kid in the 60s. She has a rock identifier app on her phone to tell if a stone is authentic or not, and she has a vibrant organic raised bed garden in her backyard.
Why Catherine Vargas Became a Vendor at JCFM
Catherine first met Minya Irby, co-creator of JCFM in 2019 at a Keep Growing Detroit event she attended as a member. Her chance encounter with Minya led to an invitation to join Jefferson Chalmers Farmers’ Market (JCFM) as a vendor. The opportunity sparked a new fire in her spirit. Until then, she had never displayed at a vendor show. Catherine vividly remembers riding down Manistique looking for the market at her first show.
When asked why JCFM? Catherine replied, “The atmosphere. I love the community presence, the music, the performers, the Artscape, and talking with customers. Being in nature is so relaxing, we are so close I can smell the water.” She also loves to hear Minya say, “Welcome to Jefferson Chalmers Farmers' Market!”
Rainbow Gemstonz has grown along with JCFM. Her inventory of Michigan rocks for purchase have grown to include Unakite, Quartz, Hematite, Slag, and Agates, along with other semi-precious rocks from around the world.
Catherine has also expanded into creating one-of-a-kind bracelets, earrings, and necklace sets. “I started making jewelry for my family and friends as gifts, then for myself to wear to work at DPS. Naturally, I started with Petoskey stone necklaces, then grew into using other semi-precious crystals. I've extensively studied their healing properties and continue to learn.”
Contact Info
To learn more about Rainbow Gemstonz, email catherinevargas57@gmail.com. You can also find Catherine Vargas on Facebook, or visit her Instagram page @rainbowgemstonz123.
