Summary Gem Mountain in Montana lets you wash real mine gravel and discover your own sapphires. You visit either the seasonal mine or the year-round Philipsburg store, both run by the Cooney family. Next, you wash, spot, and sort stones with staff support. Then you turn your finds into jewelry through on-site grading, heat treating, […]
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine: Montana Sapphire Hunting Read More »
Summary Many buyers still chase the Kashmir sapphire origin label, believing it guarantees beauty and value. In truth, the real worth of a sapphire lies in color, clarity, and cut — not birthplace. Magnificent stones also come from Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Learn how to judge the gem, not just its story. Table of
Kashmir Sapphire Origin: Why Obsessing Over It Is a Mistake Read More »
Quick Answer A quality star sapphire or ruby is defined by its sharp, centered, six-rayed star — not just by body color. This guide explains how to judge these gems using insights from my 40 years in the trade. The Story Behind Star Stones In the 1990s, a young couple showed me what they thought
Quality Star Sapphire or Ruby: What to Look For Read More »
When beginners buy sapphires, they often repeat the same sapphire cut mistake. They focus only on size or color while ignoring the cut. Yet, the cut is the soul of the stone because it controls brilliance. A poor cut causes two common problems: Both issues make a sapphire look dull. Even a 5-carat stone loses
Sapphire Cut Mistake: Don’t Buy a Lifeless Rock Read More »
Summary Over 95% of sapphires go through heat treatment to boost color and clarity.This stable, permanent process doesn’t harm the gem or make it fake.Heated sapphires offer beauty and strength at lower prices, while unheated ones remain rare and expensive.Buyers should always check lab reports and compare values before purchasing. Introduction When you hear the
Why Your Heated Sapphire Isn’t Fake Read More »
