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Montana's Gemstones
&
Fine Jewelry
Wear a piece of Montana!
We specialize in custom jewelry --
please call us for an appointment.
Although GemLand's inventory includes diamonds and gems from around the
world, we specialize in precious stones mined in the United States.
While not commonly known around the world, Montana produces some of the
finest sapphires -- those from the famous Yogo Mine, in the central part of the
State. Once owned by the British, gems from Yogo are to be found in the Crown
Jewels.
Besides their beautiful color, described as "cornflower blue", they
are the only currently mined sapphires in the world that are natural and not
heat-treated. Because of this, they are also among the most
valuable!
The Yogo Mine operates seasonally, and does not produce a large inventory.
Therefore, you must check with us for currently available sizes and shapes.
Please remember that custom jewelry is our
specialty. Contact us to create a piece of lasting
beauty for you or your special someone!
Pictured at right is Yogo
Gulch, looking upstream from the mining areas.
The nearest city with a large airport is Great Falls, some sixty miles (~100
km) to the northwest.
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Volcanic structures known
as diatremes contain stunningly blue, clear crystals (at left) within a matrix not unlike
that within which diamonds are found.
After the rock breaks down, the ore is washed by water, and sapphire crystals
like those at left are retrieved. They require no treatment of any kind to enhance
their beauty, and are nicely complemented by rich Yellow Gold.
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Above is a very well done piece of Montana jewelry
art.
This men's ring not only has a quality oval sapphire; it is framed by natural
gold nuggets -- another legacy of Montana's riches.
However, because of their superb clarity, Yogo Sapphires are typically cut in
a round brilliant fashion, like diamonds, enabling more brilliance and sparkle.
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Read about the Yogo
Sapphire Deposit -- one of my old articles (1991, from Gemological Digest),
but the rocks haven't changed much since then! (8 pages, each a GIF file ranging
from 80 to 225KB.)
We think that part of the appeal in
possessing any object incorporating stone is its connection to a particular place.
This is especially true of precious gems.
When you are wearing a Yogo Sapphire, you are wearing a little piece of
Montana, with its great history and geology!
Please remember that custom jewelry is our
specialty. Contact us to create a piece of lasting
beauty for you or your special someone!
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