Educational Play · Est. 1795★★★★★ 150 reviews

Muddy hands, real science. Watch it click into place.

£11.99£18.99 Save 36%

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Standard · 2-3 working days

Hands-on exploration
Real crystal gems
Develops precision
Sensory learning
Ages 3 to 7
Complete kit included
30-day returns
Klarna available

Delivery in 2-3 working days · 30-day returns · Est. 1795

as seen in

Real talk

The quiet confidence boost before Reception

You notice it at drop-off: some children are already digging deeper into the world around them. The Gem Dig Kit isn't about racing ahead. It's about giving your child real, hands-on work to do. Excavating crystals teaches precision, patience, and the thrill of discovery. Those are the skills that matter.

When your child finds a gem buried in the excavation block, something shifts. They've done real work. They've solved a puzzle. That feeling carries into the classroom.

Joe Jaques, Jaques of London

What's in the box

What's inside your kit

Everything needed to start digging and collecting. No extra bits required.

Gem Discovery Kit in Jaques signature packaging with ribbon

In the box

Excavation block with hidden crystals

A solid block containing real gemstones waiting to be uncovered. Your child uses tools to carefully dig and release each treasure. The texture and resistance of the block builds hand strength and focus.

✓ Real crystal gems inside
✓ Requires gentle excavation
✓ Builds fine motor control

In the box

Digging tools

Sized for small hands. Each tool teaches a different approach to excavation, encouraging problem-solving and strategy. Children learn which tool works best for different parts of the block.

✓ Child-sized handles
✓ Multiple tool types
✓ Encourages exploration

Collection display for uncovered crystals

Play style

Build a real collection

Once uncovered, each gem goes into a growing collection. Your child arranges, sorts, and displays their treasures. This transforms a single activity into ongoing play that teaches classification and pride of discovery.

✓ Extends play value
✓ Encourages sorting
✓ Creates display pride

Ready to start digging?

Was £18.99

Crystal Set - Gemstone Digging: £11.99

While they play

What your child quietly learns

Looks like play. Works like a lesson.

✋

Fine motor control

Holding and using small tools to excavate teaches hand strength and dexterity. The resistance of the block means every movement matters, building precision.

🧠

Problem-solving

Which tool works best here? How much force is needed? Your child learns through trial and discovery, not instruction.

🔍

Focus and patience

Real excavation can't be rushed. Your child learns that careful, sustained attention brings rewards. That's a skill that transfers everywhere.

🌍

Natural world awareness

Handling real crystals connects your child to geology and nature. It answers the question 'where do things come from?' through play.

What families say about Jaques of London

What parents say

★★★★★

"Excellent quality wood toys, so well made, no sharp edges, all lovely & smooth, very colourful & plenty of choice. Very reasonably priced & so beautifully wrapped you don't want to open them. Highly recommend this company."

Lynda Evans✓ Google review

★★★★★

"Fast delivery, excellent products, extremely good quality and long lasting. My granddaughter loves the toys from here. Good age ranges covered."

Danella Jones✓ Google review

★★★★★

"These toys tick all the boxes, educational, colourful, fun, well made and great service. I just keep buying more and more."

Irene Johnstone✓ Google review

★★★★★

"We love our toys from Jaques of London. The quality is excellent and they're the perfect size for little hands to hold and play with easily. Beautifully made, sturdy wooden toys that will last for years. Highly recommend!"

Tegan✓ Google review

★★★★★

"Harrods grade gifting for a very reasonable price. Not the usual tat from China. Had several hand picked orders fron Jaques, nice to know its a UK business with old school quality."

John A✓ Google review

★★★★★

"I am a real fan of this company. If only I had come across them years ago when my boys were little. It's my go to for beautiful, good quality toys for my granddaughter now and any gift I need to buy. They arrived quickly, prices are reasonable and the special touch is they are beautifully packaged too. I love the heritage of this business!"

Sarah Lardner✓ Google review

★★★★★ 4.8/5 rated by families across Google and Trustpilot: real reviews, quoted word for word

Get ready for life

Why real play matters

Real brain growth comes from real play.

Ages 3-7

Right when curiosity peaks

The Gem Dig Kit arrives at the moment when children want to understand the world through their hands. Perfect timing for confidence building before school.

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30 mins+

Play that holds attention

Excavation is absorbing work. Your child forgets about screens and stays focused on the task. A win for everyone.

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1 kit

Complete from the box

No extras to buy, no assembly needed. Open it, read the simple guide, and start digging. Jaques packaging means it looks good on the shelf too.

Why this matters right now

Real crystals Genuine gems inside Not plastic, not painted. Your child holds actual stones they've uncovered themselves. That tactile reality matters.

Hand-sized tools Designed for small hands Every piece fits a 3-7 year old's grip. No fumbling, no frustration. Just the right tool for the job.

60-Day Warranty We stand behind it If anything breaks or disappoints, you're covered. Jaques quality means this kit survives years of curious digging.

230 yrs of making things worth keeping Jaques of London has been crafting games and toys since 1795. This one is built to be handed down, not thrown out.

We really are different

Why the Gem Dig Kit beats the rest

	Jaques Crystal Set - Gemstone Digging	Cheap Alternatives
Contains real crystals	✅	❌ Plastic fake gems
Tools sized for small hands	✅	⚠️ Adult-sized or flimsy
No extras to buy	✅	❌ Requires paints, glues, tools
Builds focus and precision	✅	⚠️ Messy or too easy
Beautiful gift packaging	✅	❌ Plain box, feels cheap
Made by Jaques since 1795	✅	⚠️ Unknown brand
60-day warranty included	✅	❌ No protection

Jaques

✅ Real crystal gems
✅ Child-sized tools
✅ Complete kit
✅ Builds precision
✅ Gift wrapped
✅ Est. 1795
✅ 60-day warranty

Cheap alternatives

❌ Plastic substitutes
⚠️ Hard to grip
❌ Hidden costs
⚠️ Frustration risk
❌ Dull packaging
⚠️ New brands
❌ No guarantee

Ready to start digging?

Was £18.99

Crystal Set - Gemstone Digging: £11.99

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Not right? Return it within 30 days. Full refund, no questions.

Questions & answers

Questions parents ask

How long does it take to excavate all the crystals?

Most children work through the block over 30 minutes to an hour. Some spread it across multiple sittings. There's no rush. The slow reveal is part of the appeal and teaches patience without preaching it.

Will it be too hard or too easy for my 4-year-old?

The excavation block is designed so it requires real effort and strategy, but doesn't frustrate. Your child needs to problem-solve which tool to use and how much pressure to apply. That difficulty sweet spot is where learning happens.

What happens once all the crystals are out?

The real gems form a collection your child can sort, display, and enjoy. Many parents use the empty block as a sensory container or repurpose it. But honestly, the satisfaction of the find is the main event.

Is it messy?

There's dust from excavation, so a table or tray underneath is wise. It's not slime or paint. A quick wipe and you're done. The tactile, slightly dirty nature of real digging is part of the appeal.

How much does it cost?

The Crystal Set - Gemstone Digging is £11.99 today (down from £18.99). Klarna is available at checkout if you prefer to spread the cost.

What's your returns policy?

30 days, full refund, no conditions. Return it for any reason and we refund in full. We've been standing behind what we make since 1795.

Ready to start digging?

Was £18.99

Crystal Set - Gemstone Digging: £11.99

Our story

Making toys worth keeping since 1795.

Jaques of London was founded in 1795. We invented croquet, table tennis, and the Staunton chess set. For 230 years, we've been making things that pull children away from passive entertainment and into active, curious, hands-on play.

Jaques of London has always believed that play teaches. We've made games and toys since 1795 because we've seen how curiosity transforms a child. The Gem Dig Kit carries that same belief: when a child's hands do real work, their mind wakes up. Excavating actual crystals isn't pretend geology. It's real discovery. We design every tool, choose every stone, and wrap every kit knowing that somewhere, a child is about to have the moment when they uncover something real, solve a problem themselves, and feel the quiet confidence that comes with that. That's what Jaques has always made.

Toys and games that leave something behind: a skill, a memory, a piece of play that gets passed on.
Joe, Jaques of London

Ready when you are