Mineral & Matter
Address: 177 East 900 South, Suite C
Telephone: 385-229-2814
Website: mineralandmatter.com
District: Central City
“Jewelry is so much more than an adornment; it’s about sentimentality, connection, and the stories it carries,” shared Stacey Foster, owner of Mineral and Matter.
Stacey’s passion for jewelry stems from a childhood deeply influenced by her grandparents in Idaho. Her grandfather, industrious and creative, spent hours in his shop crafting, while her grandmother engaged Stacey in making her own crafts. Another fond memory for Stacey was looking through her grandmother's jewelry box filled with treasures - opal pieces she had mined herself and a sweetheart locket gifted by Stacey’s grandfather during the war. “I loved going through her jewelry box. Each piece told a story, and it instilled in me a love for working with my hands and creating something meaningful,” Stacey reflected.
After attending college in Idaho, Stacey moved to Los Angeles where she worked as a production manager and designer for a small jewelry company. “It was the most creative and fulfilling job I had ever had,” she said. Stacey’s experience in L.A. not only honed her craft but also solidified her love for jewelry as a form of expression and connection.
When Stacey relocated to Salt Lake City in 2009, she found a lack of opportunities in jewelry-making. Undeterred, she started her own line, initially selling pieces through Etsy. By 2013, she launched a mobile boutique, traveling to markets around town. A year later, she opened her first brick-and-mortar store in Salt Lake’s Pierpont neighborhood - a tiny 200-square-foot space.
During her business startup period, Stacey met Erica Hoggan, the owner of Land of Salt, and the two shared a larger space together for three years, supporting each other and cultivating a creative environment. When both were ready to expand, they toured locations and chose to move side-by-side into the Maven District, drawn to its vision of a women-owned collective. From there, Stacey’s journey has been one of constant growth, collaboration, and creativity. “The sense of community in Maven is incredible,” Stacey shared. “There’s always someone to discuss an issue with, and everyone is supportive. You know you have friends there, even if you haven’t met them yet.”
Stacey's shop offers a curated collection of jewelry, crystal specimens, and handmade goods, many of which Stacey designs herself. Her pieces are inspired by her love of clean lines, natural materials, and the craftsmanship she learned in L.A. “We design a lot of our pieces in-house, working with graphic designers to bring concepts to life,” Stacey explained. The shop also hosts experiences including ear piercing and permanent jewelry services, as well as perfume-making workshops.
Stacey’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond her customers. Her team of fourteen employees is predominantly female, and she intentionally sources products from independent women artisans and family-owned mines. “Jewelry is an accessible form of self-care; it’s for everyone, no matter their size or background. That inclusivity is so important to me,” Stacey said.
In July 2024, Mineral and Matter expanded to a second location in Park City, Utah. Although the store is in its early stages, Stacey is optimistic about its future, particularly as the winter season approaches. “It’s slow right now, but I’m hopeful the community will embrace us, especially with Sundance around the corner." Looking ahead, Stacey dreams of opening a summer shop in Bear Lake, Utah. “It’s a stunning place, and I’d love to have a little shop there someday,” she shared.
For Stacey, jewelry is deeply personal. “It’s the thing I buy when I travel, the gift I love to give, and the pieces I cherish from my family. Jewelry connects generations. It carries memories and stories. I hope the pieces I create will one day be passed down to someone else, continuing their journey.”
