Crystal Joys

In the 1980s, Joy Renee Dudley traveled to Renaissance Festivals and Psychic Fairs across the country with her pop-up jewelry store. She sold crystals and handcrafted gemstone jewelry to lovers of the metaphysical and mystical. A few years after Joy’s passing, her daughter, Carmen Sample, decided to bring back the business in honor of her mother’s memory. In an effort to spread “Joy,” Crystal Joys opened in 2014.

Then in 2021, Courtney Saindon became the store manager for Crystal Joys on the East End of Pearl Street. “There is a special atmosphere Boulder has compared to everywhere else,” said Courtney. “It’s a friendly, eco-conscious, community-driven city, and after graduating from CU Boulder, I was not ready to leave.”

Crystal Joys sells a wide variety of crystals, hand-crafted jewelry and metaphysical objects, with a special catering to people who are interested in anything from witchcraft to home decor. “People find things in the store that help them heal and improve their lives, which is something really special to be part of.”

In addition to selling a wide variety of products, Crystal Joys has a strong mission to create opportunities for those disadvantaged in the community. “We work with an organization called Sample Supports, which is a company that provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a job. Around 25% of our products are handcrafted by clients that work in the program. We also employ clients in the store to engage with customers and provide a helping hand.”

Crystal Joys is sister stores with Crystal Joys Gallery, a higher-end shop on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall. “Crystal Galleries is filled with huge, beautiful crystals and high-quality jewelry. The objects in the room are just priceless.”

Managing both stores is a big task, but Courtney loves the opportunity to work downtown. “There is such a strong sense of community in the district, from partnerships among businesses to friendly neighbors. It’s a blast to have both regular local customers and visitors from all over the world.”

To support Crystal Joys and Crystal Galleries, Courtney encourages people to visit the businesses and follow them on social media (@crystaljoys and @crystalgalleries). “When you support a Crystal Joys business, you are also supporting Sample Supports and the greater downtown community.”

Joy Renee Dudley’s mission was simple: spread joy and healing through jewelry and stones. Over 40 years later, her mission lives on through people like Courtney. Stop by a store and experience for yourself the healing nature of precious minerals.