Kent's Tools has been a cornerstone of the jewelry and lapidary world for over 30 years. The foundation was laid when Kent Solberg and Salle Hunter acquired a closeout lot of Thai-made jewelry and a storage locker filled with thousands of bead strands. Salle showcased these pieces at her first gem show booth at Boatner’s Gas Station. This event inspired the launch of their jewelry store, initially named Sable Jewelry and later rebranded as Acacia Jewelry.
Their passion for tools and supplies led to an extraordinary inventory, including ninety 55-gallon drums of rough rock acquired from a closed lapidary supply business. By 1993, Solberg and Hunter established Kent's Tools, Jewelry and Lapidary Tools & Supplies, transforming their hobby into an internationally recognized company. Today, Kent's Tools is a trusted destination for jewelers, metal-smiths, and lapidary enthusiasts.
Kent’s Tools boasts an incredible array of products, offering specialty hand tools, diamond tools and supplies, lapidary machinery, cutting and polishing supplies, rough rock, slabs, specimens, and cabochons. As a locally owned small business, Kent’s eclectic inventory features vintage American-made tools alongside one-of-a-kind items perfect for custom jobs. One visitor exclaimed, "This is where all your Grandpa’s tools went!" Kent’s also offers unique specialty items and treasures for every step of jewelry creation—from beading and wire wrapping to cutting, casting, and polishing. Acacia Jewelry, now part of Kent’s Tools, features a stunning collection of silver jewelry, including earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, and chains. Many of these designs come from vintage inventories and have not been available for years—an intriguing selection of old-stock Native American, Thai, and estate silver jewelry at unbeatable prices.
Thanks to a knowledgeable team with decades of combined experience in the jewelry and lapidary industry, every trip to Kent's Tools feels like an adventure. Co-owner Salle brings 35 years of expertise in gems and jewelry fabrication, adding a personal touch to the store's exceptional service. Kent’s Tools takes pride in offering outstanding customer care and competitive pricing, making it the go-to destination for even the hardest-to-find specialty tools.
Kent’s Tools, located on 1st Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, hosts an annual in-house gem show, which has become a favorite of artisans and hobbyists. As part of the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, Kent’s Jewelry, Lapidary, Tool & Supply Show is a must-visit for anyone passionate about jewelry-making and lapidary art. The 2025 show runs from January 30 to February 17 and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on February 17). While the show is an annual event, Kent’s Tools is open year-round, ensuring access to the necessary tools and supplies. Don’t miss a chance to find tools and treasures, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and experience what makes Kent's Tools a beloved destination. Find out why Kent’s Tools is "The Candy Store for Jewelers." Every visit is an opportunity to create something extraordinary!
