SourcingDec 16, 2021
Jewelry Knowledge Quiz: Colored GemstonesSourcingJan 13, 2022
Part of the Red Beryl Mine Is Producing Again, One Owner Says
Red Emerald Inc., which is under new ownership, started mining at the Utah site last spring.
Beaver County, Utah—Part of the renowned Ruby Violet (or Red Beryl) mine in Beaver County, Utah is producing again.
According to a minerals specialist at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Cedar City Field office, the mine property is split between two owners, only one of whom has a current approved permit to mine.
That owner is Red Emerald Inc., which recently changed ownership.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a minerals specialist at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Cedar City Field office, the mine property is split between two owners, only one of whom has a current approved permit to mine.
That owner is Red Emerald Inc., which recently changed ownership.
Denise Knoeller and her husband, who is a silent partner, entered into a purchase agreement to become the new owners of Red Emerald Inc. and its claims at the mine.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. It was effective Dec. 31, 2020 and included Red Emerald’s 37 claims in the upper portion of the mining site.
The mining permit covers a little over 6 acres, according to BLM Cedar City.
Red Emerald restarted production in spring 2021 to bring the rare gemstone to market again.
While the company has had to pause mining operations during the winter, they are expected to resume in late spring.
Since Red Emerald just started mining early last year, Knoeller told National Jeweler it’s too early to forecast production numbers or determine when and where they might sell the red beryl.
To give an idea of the gemstone’s rarity, though, the Utah Geological Survey estimates that one red beryl crystal is found for every 150,000 diamonds.
While the company has had to pause mining operations during the winter, they are expected to resume in late spring.
Since Red Emerald just started mining early last year, Knoeller told National Jeweler it’s too early to forecast production numbers or determine when and where they might sell the red beryl.
To give an idea of the gemstone’s rarity, though, the Utah Geological Survey estimates that one red beryl crystal is found for every 150,000 diamonds.
The gemstone is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale and almost always has inclusions, falling under GIA Clarity Grade Type III along with emerald.
According to GIA, the Ruby Violet (or Red Beryl) mine in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah is the only known commercial source of gem-quality red beryl in the world.
The other owner of the mine is Red Beryl Inc., comprised of the heirs of the Rex Harris estate; Harris and his family mined red beryl at the site on and off for more than two decades.
They still hold nine claims at the mine but haven’t operated at their portion since 2002, according to BLM Cedar City, and don’t allow anyone onto the property.
According to GIA, the Ruby Violet (or Red Beryl) mine in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah is the only known commercial source of gem-quality red beryl in the world.
The other owner of the mine is Red Beryl Inc., comprised of the heirs of the Rex Harris estate; Harris and his family mined red beryl at the site on and off for more than two decades.
They still hold nine claims at the mine but haven’t operated at their portion since 2002, according to BLM Cedar City, and don’t allow anyone onto the property.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
