Thailand-based gemstone manufacturer Navneet Gems & Minerals has launched a new wholesale collection of unheated Montana sapphires, sourced from the Rock Creek mines.
The collection includes 1-3 carat stones in commercial to fine qualities and was introduced at the recent GJX Tucson show.
“Montana sapphires are very popular right now, especially in the North American market, thanks to their ethical sourcing, unique colors and recognition as high-quality gems,” said Navneet Agarwal, Director of Navneet Gems & Minerals.
Characteristics and Sourcing
Montana sapphires from the Rock Creek mines, operated by Potentate Mining, are known for their range of colors, including blues, teals, greens, pinks, oranges, yellows, and bi-color combinations. These stones often contain natural inclusions, such as the “silk” effect caused by rutile, which gives them a soft, diffused appearance.
Most Montana sapphires undergo heat treatment to enhance their color, but Navneet Gems is offering an unheated selection. “High-quality unheated Montana sapphires are rare,” said Agarwal. “In our case, we’ve been able to offer unheated sapphires because the rough we sourced was of exceptionally high quality. While heat treating is the standard practice for Montana sapphires, we’re fortunate to work with top-tier material that allows us to offer an unheated option.”
According to Agarwal, the inclusions in Montana sapphires contribute to their character. “Inclusions are a positive sign of a natural sapphire. They show us what the Earth has given us, and we fully respect that. We believe in being ethical, not discarding anything that is part of Nature’s creation process.”
Market Trends and Expansion
Montana sapphires are becoming a popular choice in the alternative bridal market, particularly in engagement rings. Teal sapphires, in particular, have gained traction in high-end jewelry.
Warren Boyd, Marketing Director of Potentate Mining, highlighted the significance of the Rock Creek deposit. “Our deposit is located in the aptly named ‘Sapphire Mountain Range.’ The Rock Creek Sapphire mining area is by far the largest volume producer of sapphires in Montana and the largest sapphire producer in the western hemisphere.”
While the strongest demand remains in the U.S., interest in Montana sapphires is increasing in markets such as the UK and France. “It’s similar to how Australian sapphires aren’t limited to Australia—they’re in demand all over the world, including the U.S. The same is true for Montana sapphires,” Agarwal said.
He also noted that Australian companies have begun incorporating Montana sapphires into their collections, but the Asian market, particularly China, remains largely untapped. “While Montana sapphires are making significant inroads in Europe, their availability and accessibility remain limited, leaving significant room for growth.”
For more information, images, or interview inquiries, contact navneet@navneetgems.com.
