Artifacts

Very nice little gift place with very rare artifacts from around the world. The owners are very sweet and also welcoming. I enjoy looking at what types of artifacts they get it from different countries.

This place is the most elegant and interesting gift shop in Tahoe. The owners have been in business for over 20 years and have amassed beautiful items which cannot be acquired elsewhere: hand-​hewn kaleidoscopes, antique kimonos, exquisite fossils, authentic tribal carvings, miniature Russian paintings, stain glass & seashell windows, beautiful artisan jewelry, and more! I buy almost all my gifts here. Owner Elise is patient and knowledgeable, and always helps me pick just the right thing.

I came here on the recommendation of a friend. I was immediately greeted by the most friendly staff, Lisa and Elise. This gallery carries the most exquisite collection of art, jewelry (very nice opals), kaleidoscopes (handmade with pride), Kimono’s, woven textiles, wooden boxes and just about any other eclectic work of handmade items an art lover like myself would appreciate. They had a Thanka (a painting on silk expertly framed locally) from Kathmandu that I couldn’t live without. I can’t remember if it was Lisa or Elise who took the time to thoroughly explain to me the significance of the Thanka. But she sold me on it without any pressure for me to buy. Lisa and Elise have a deep appreciation for all the items in the shop and were taking the time to explain to other customers what they were looking at. The Thanka cost a small fortune but it was money well spent and is a beautiful addition to my art collection. They have an excellent buyer with a good eye for detail and design. Don’t let the prices scare you. You’re bound to find something to fit your budget and you are purchasing quality items unlike any you’ve seen before. I’m already planning my next purchase and I can’t wait!

On a group ski/​boarding trip to Tahoe we stumbled upon Artifacts on a day we took a day off from hitting the mountain. There were a lot of interesting items in the store from artifacts, fossils, rocks, jewelry, clothing & the most amazing kaleidoscopes I’ve ever seen. Definitely a fun & educational place to check out. The woman working there (owner?) was extremely helpful & informative.

We love this place! My husband bought me a beautiful amethyst pendant and earrings a couple of years ago. However when I tried to find a chain to put the pendant on we found that the shanks on the back were positioned so that the pendant tipped over. After about a year I finally remembered to bring the item with me when we went to Lake Tahoe and took it into Artifacts. They took the item back and sent it to the manufacturer (in Thailand). Although the process took some time, when I received the pendant they had attached a beautiful chain, and also included a simpler chain with some extra money to change the chain if we didn’t like the fancy one. We were impressed with how they handled our concerns and I love wearing my jewelry from there. We always stop by to see what new and exciting things they have and are usually able to find something unique to buy.

This store has so many treasures in glass, stone, gems and precious metals. I wish I could buy so many of the beautiful things here. Each time the owner is remarkably friendly and helpful; she helps us find something fun in just the right price range. Usually we’re looking for a gift, and they have so many to choose from. If you want carved wood or stone, blown glass, glass statues and figures, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, earrings, polished petrified wood, and so much more – this is the place.