Mineralogy

We create unusual statement and heirloom quality pieces that pay tribute to the beauty of natural gems and minerals. Our small team specializes in custom creations and the procurement of fine gemstones and diamonds, with an eye for rare and recycled treasures, such as antiques and heirlooms. We produce our styles in limited quantities, with each piece unique to the earth’s remarkable aberrations. 

Interested in our custom design process? Read through our custom guide.

Questions? Connect with us.

Our Philosophy: We believe in the integrity of handmade objects, ethically sourced materials, and the value of artisanship. We are proud to hand select our gems and minerals from a carefully chosen circle of reputable gemologists, collectors, mine owners, and lapidary specialists, ensuring that each piece is designed to be uniquely yours and is made to last a lifetime.

Theresa Cowan

OWNER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR + JEWELER

Theresa founded Mineralogy in 2010 with a love for natural minerals and design. A graduate of The School of The Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA, she has always been fascinated by texture and form through the arrangement of objects. In the summer of 2015, Mineralogy opened their studio as a storefront in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. Here, Theresa designs and creates one–of–a–kind jewelry and custom engagement rings. She enjoys working with clients to design unique engagement rings and the process of creating something that will be worn with love and be passed on through generations. Her favorite minerals are sapphires, pink jasper, turquoise, diamonds, and variscite.

Annie Swanson–Nystrom

MARKETING COORDINATOR + CUSTOM JEWELRY CONCIERGE

Annie discovered an appreciation for jewelry design through her own custom engagement ring journey with Mineralogy! She is a painter at heart but will dabble in anything creative at least once. Her most recent explorations are felting and sewing. At Mineralogy, Annie is involved with client experience from in person care to remote assistance and handles the safe packaging and transit of your treasures. She uses her design background and skills to create our printed and digital design work. She also is a part of our in house photography team bringing our pieces to life through online imagery.

Jenna King

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR + CUSTOM JEWELRY CONCIERGE + JEWELER

Jenna began making her own jewelry a couple years ago and has always had an interest in art, design, and rocks and minerals. When she's not at work making jewelry, she enjoys biking by the lake, tending to her plants, and searching for the best pizza and tacos Chicago has to offer. At Mineralogy, Jenna is involved with client care in store and leads remote client design and assists during in person design consultations. She enjoys working at the bench on our selection of handcrafted pieces and loves photographing our one of a kind engagement rings. Her preceding career in actuarial science brings a unique and analytical skill set to our creative business.

Penny Dee

Penny is our beloved shop dog. Theresa and her husband Alex adopted Penny in the summer of 2016 from Almost Home Foundation. Penny was brought up from Alabama to Chicago for adoption and that is how she received her southern belle name. Penny is semi retired in her golden years and likes to take naps at home on the weekend. You can occasionally find her in the shop during the week.