Get up close and personal with the source of our gorgeous Montana Sapphires!
What is Montana Sapphire?
Montana Sapphire is, quite simply, Sapphire mined in Montana!
While “Sapphire” might typically bring to mind for you an image of a deep-blue, sparkling stone, Montana sources are well known for their beautiful variety of colors — which run the gambit from purple to blue, green, pink, and yellow.
(The stones we offer also include all shapes, sizes, and cuts! See below.)
Montana Sapphires are also a great choice for those seeking ethically-mined gemstones — especially for custom ethical engagement rings that #ReflectYOU.
This teal Montana Sapphire Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold was handmade in our artisan studio.
One of the most important values for us as activist ethical jewelers is to work with small producers. Directly sourcing from them is the best of all possible options, because it directly supports the local economy.
We source our Montana sapphires from a true small-scale mining operation — run entirely by a husband and wife team who basically bought a sapphire mine in 2003 and then self-taught themselves how to mine it.
Their mine is located on the Eldorado sapphire bar along the Missouri River, on a property of around 70 acres.
Operating an excavator at the mine.
What do Montana Sapphires Look Like?
The big question you might have is, “what do Montana Sapphires look like?”
Here’s a look at what Montana Sapphires look like when first pulled out of the Earth:
Recently mined rough Montana Sapphires. Though these uncut gems are not yet sparkling to their full potential, you can see a glimpse of the color varieties available here.
And here’s a look at the beauty produced when stones are expertly cut:
A sampling of round Portuguese cut Montana Sapphires. Just take in that sparkle and color variety!
At the end of the day: When it comes to Montana Sapphire vs Sri Lanka Sapphire, the choice comes down to what appeals to you!
[Interested in an ethically-sourced, unique Montana Sapphire Engagement Ring? Questions? Email me at info (at) reflectivejewelry.com or call 888-733-5238 to set up a FREE, no-pressure consultation.]
Are Montana Sapphires Ethical?
Are you wondering, "Are Montana Sapphires Ethical?" Or perhaps, "What Makes Montana Sapphires Ethical?"
The answer to the first question is undoubtedly YES!
We've already addressed the second above. But to expand on supporting small producers...
For one: unlike sapphires of unknown origin, we can be certain of the labor conditions around the mine. You can be proud to support a small American business.
Plus, stone cutting is another opportunity to support skilled craftspeople with a dedicated passion for what they do. Our Montana Sapphire supplier puts a lot of thought and planning into the faceting of their Sapphires. They have a number of phenomenal connections both in the US and abroad, as is evident from the products they produce:
Looking for a pear shaped Montana sapphire? How about emerald cut or cushion cut? Whatever your taste, we can source a stone to Reflect You.
And, last but not least: the areas mined are all methodically reclaimed! Pits are filled, topsoil is replaced, and grass is re-planted.
Unlike precious metal mining, which often requires toxic chemicals, Sapphires are basically sorted out of the dirt. This small-scale sapphire mining does not pollute the water around it, and wildlife can happily coexist with the mining site.
The rugged beauty of Montana extends deep beneath the surface.
Your Unique Montana Sapphire Engagement Ring
Interested in a Unique Montana Sapphire Engagement Ring?
Of course you are! Montana Sapphires are a wonderful choice for your earrings, pendant, or custom engagement ring. Pair one (or several!) with Fairtrade Gold and our artisan skillset, and you’ll have an heirloom-quality talismanic representation of your love that will last for generations.
Choosing a Montana sapphire is a custom experience. We’re a small artisan studio dedicated to producing jewelry that Reflects You in every sense — from the ethical sourcing of gemstones and metals, to the experience of working with a dedicated team of artisans who have cultivated unique skillsets over several decades.
We’ve been in business since 1995, and have a stellar reputation. To get a sense of the care we take and the quality of our work, just check out our 175+ 5-Star Google reviews.
When it comes to your Montana Sapphire: we make it easy! Once you tell us what color and/or cut you’d like, we get photos from our supplier and send these off to you.
To get started on your custom ring design, or to find out about choosing a Montana Sapphire to mount in one of our existing Engagement Ring designs, email info (at) reflectivejewelry.com, call 888-733-5238 during our business hours, or get in touch here.
Marc Choyt is President of Reflective Jewelry, a designer jewelry company founded in 1995. He pioneered the ethical sourcing movement in North America and is also the only certified Fairtrade Gold jeweler in the United States. Choyt’s company was named Santa Fe New Mexico’s Green Business of the Year in 2019, and he has been honored with several awards for his efforts to support ethical jewelry. His ebook, Ethical Jewelry Exposé: Lies, Damn Lies and Conflict Free Diamonds, is available online. Choyt can be reached on Twitter at @Circlemanifesto or by email at marc(at)reflectivejewelry.com.