Navneet Gems Launches Salt-and-Pepper Sapphires
Sourced from Tanzania, the stones feature a unique hematite inclusion.

The sapphires’ color distinction comes from visible inclusions in the stone, similar to salt-and-pepper diamonds.
They are sourced globally with notable deposits in Australia and Sri Lanka, said the Thailand-based manufacturer, but those from Tanzania have a similar color profile to Montana sapphires and a clear black inclusion from hematite minerals inside the gem.
“Salt-and-pepper teal sapphires featuring eye-visible pepper inclusions are exclusively found in Tanzania,” said Navneet Agarwal, sales and marketing manager of Navneet Gems & Minerals.
The manufacturers’ offering is comprised of 100 to 150 singles stones, both calibrated and fancy shapes.
The gemstones range between 0.5 and 2 carats and are available in commercial and finer qualities. They come in various colors including yellow, green, and teal.
Agarwal sees the inclusions as unique characteristics of the stone, rather than undesirable flaws, citing copper inclusions seen in some Brazilian Paraíba tourmalines and zircon crystals that can appear in Sri Lankan spinel.
“These delicate speckles of black and gray in sapphires serve as unique markers of their growth and origin,” he said.
“Typically, inclusions weaken a stone when originating from within. However, a single stunning pepper inclusion can enhance the stone's aesthetic appeal without compromising its structural integrity.”
The manufacturer said it seeks to utilize all qualities of gemstones from a deposit.
“From a sustainability standpoint, if we go by this standard that inclusions decrease the value of the stone, most of the rough mined would be rejected. We strongly feel this is a huge waste of resources, time, and effort,” said Agarwal.
Agarwal adds, “It is precisely these imperfections that add to their striking beauty and value.”
The increasing value of ethical sourcing to modern buyers is generating an appreciation for previously overlooked gemstone variants and a shift in the conventional valuation of gemstones, said Navneet Gems & Minerals.
The company said maintaining consistent supply in Tanzania has been a challenge in the past, but it has material for now.
“In 2024, everyone is searching for something distinctive—something that can be quantified and sold in larger quantities consistently. We have sourced enough material directly from the mines, which can be sold for several years as we want to provide our clients consistent supply. What happens afterwards would not be in our hands, but depends on how much the earth is producing,” said Agarwal.
Tanzania, with its active government participation in promoting sustainability in its gemstone industry, has potential to establish an ethical mine-to-market chain, according to Navneet Gems.
The company said it is also “committed to addressing the challenge of reporting the full chain of custody, anticipating a rising demand for this transparency feature.”
Founded by Suresh Agarwal in 1993, Navneet Gems & Minerals is led today by his son Navneet Agarwal and headquartered in Bangkok.
The Latest

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.


The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.

Dubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.

The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.

Smith explores why a qualified candidate might still not be right for the job.

The company and its marketing agency, Loudr, were recognized for the “Make You Dance” marketing campaign.

The “Series8” and “Attesa” collections will be grouped under Citizen Premier.

David Fager, a former systems engineer at the retailer, was promoted to the role.

From retailers to designers and the media, the fine jewelry industry recognized one another’s work and looked to the future.

Eleanor H. Yeh is the recipient of the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.

Joseph Cavalcante takes on the dual role as the Spanish jewelry brand looks to expand further into the U.S. market.

The trade show has also upgraded its venue to the Caesars Forum Conference Center.

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.