Thailand–based gemstone manufacturer Navneet Gems and Minerals unveils a wholesale collection of responsibly sourced unheated Montana Sapphires from the Rock Creek mines, ranging between 1-3 carat sizes in commercial to finer qualities. The new production was launched at GJX Tucson show 2025 with a radiant showcase of calibrated and single stones in classic cuts.

“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” says Navneet Agarwal, Director of Navneet Gems & Minerals.

Montana sapphires are sourced from the renowned Rock Creek mines, operated by Potentate Mining. The Rock Creek deposit is known for producing stones with unique, natural inclusions and stunning pastel hues. Their mesmerizing hues capture the very spirit of Montana’s diverse landscapes, from the expansive blue skies over the Rocky Mountains to the lush greens of its valleys and the warm, golden tones of its sunlit plains. The palette ranges from serene blues, tranquil teals to deeper greens and rare shades, including bi-color combinations, pinks, oranges, yellows, and rich cognac-chocolate tones. Perfectly aligned with Pantone’s Mocha Mousse, the Color of the Year for 2025, the cognac-chocolate colorway is a timeless yet contemporary choice.

Magical Montana – Opalescence & Unique Features
According to Agarwal, most Montana sapphires are heat-treated to achieve the desired color. “High-quality unheated Montana sapphires are rare,” he says. “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.”

Montana sapphires are renowned for their distinctive inclusions, particularly the “silk” effect, which creates a milky or opalescent appearance. This effect, caused by tiny rutile silk inclusions, scatters light and gives the sapphire a soft, ethereal glow. Occasionally, these sapphires also feature black inclusions known as ‘mica,’ further enhancing their unique 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,” says Agarwal. That’s why Montana sapphires represent such a significant shift in the industry. One of the main reasons we’re drawn to Montana sapphires is because they support an ethically sourced product.”

Alternative Engagement Ring
Montana’s unheated sapphires have become a sought-after choice for both mass merchandisers and jewelry designers, who use their unique colors to craft one-of-a-kind, bespoke pieces. From the vibrant energy of New York to the artisanal charm of small-town workshops, these sapphires are inspiring designs that break from the conventional.
As the alternative bridal market rises, unheated Montana sapphires offer a fresh palette for consumers and designers seeking gems that reflect individuality. With abroad spectrum of colors and cuts, mainly teal sapphires, are emerging as a standout choice in high-end jewelry, especially engagement rings, appealing to a new generation that values authenticity and self-expression over mass-market trends.

American Gems – Beyond USA
Sapphires have been found in Montana for over 150 years, with active mining of these stones taking place for more than a century. Warren Boyd, Marketing Director of Potentate Mining explains, “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.”

When Montana sapphires were first discovered, most American consumers believed that only imported sapphires were truly authentic. However, with Rock Creek’s consistent production and a wide range of stunning colors, they have since earned recognition as a reliable and sought-after source in the market.

As the global demand for ethically sourced gemstones continues to rise, Montana sapphires are gaining traction in developed markets such as the UK and France. Agarwal believes that these American-mined sapphires have a global appeal beyond the U.S. “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 notes that Australian companies have begun incorporating Montana sapphires into their collections, attracted by how well they complement their existing product lines. Yet, despite this growing interest in certain regions, the Asian market—particularly China—remains largely untapped.

While Montana sapphires are making significant inroads in Europe, Agarwal believes their availability and accessibility remain limited, leaving significant room for growth.