Behind the Doors of the Dinosaur Gallery

There's only one place in Del Mar you can find minerals, dinosaurs, shark teeth, and artwork. Although it's been around for 14 years, many of the items inside the Dinosaur Gallery are older than the city of Del Mar.

Gladys Collins owns the Dinosaur Gallery and sells Megalodon shark teeth, which is five million to 15 million years old. While most of Collins' customers are scientists, there are items for collectors, history junkies and those that just love something a little different. Shop items include minerals, fossils, crystals, jewelry, insects, skulls, meteorites and art work.

Patch: Why did you choose Del Mar to open your business?   

Gladys Collins: It's close to the beach, tourists, and I meet people from all over the world.

Patch: What distinguishes your business from others in the same industry?

Collins: My business is unique because it has fossils and minerals you don't see in other stores. I have semi-precious jewelry, Jurassic era art work, and shark teeth.

Patch: What are some of the current challenges you face as a business owner?

Collins: Only five percent of the people who come in are families with their kids. I like to see kids and gets them interested in science. I deal with a lot of educated people like anthropologists, biologists, and archaeologists. 

Patch: What's the best business advice you've been given?

Collins: Pay attention to your customer, what their needs are, what they like and don't like. 

Dinosaur Gallery: