SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires
The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
Navneet Gems and Minerals launched its sapphire collection at the recent GJX Tucson show, offering both calibrated and single stones.
Bangkok—Navneet Gems and Minerals, a Thailand–based gemstone manufacturer, will now offer a wholesale collection of unheated Montana sapphires.
The collection launched at the GJX Tucson show, which took place earlier this month, showcasing both calibrated and single stones.
“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,” said Navneet Agarwal, director of Navneet Gems & Minerals.
The company said the gemstones are responsibly sourced and range from 1 to 3 carats in commercial and finer quality.
Navneet Gems sourced its sapphires from the Rock Creek mines operated by Potentate Mining.
“High-quality unheated Montana sapphires are rare,” said Agarwal.
“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."
The miner is able to offer consistent production and a wide range of stunning colors, according to Navneet Gems.
“Our deposit is located in the aptly named ‘Sapphire Mountain Range,’” said Warren Boyd, marketing director of Potentate Mining.
“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.”
The deposit is known for producing stones in pastel hues including blue, teal, and green, as well as rarer shades such as orange, yellow, pink, bi-color combinations, and a cognac tone reminiscent of Pantone’s color of the year for 2025.
These hues capture the very spirit of Montana’s diverse landscapes, according to the company, mirroring “expansive blue skies over the Rocky Mountains to the lush greens of its valleys and the warm, golden tones of its sunlit plains.”
Related stories will be right here …
The collection launched at the GJX Tucson show, which took place earlier this month, showcasing both calibrated and single stones.
“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,” said Navneet Agarwal, director of Navneet Gems & Minerals.
The company said the gemstones are responsibly sourced and range from 1 to 3 carats in commercial and finer quality.
Navneet Gems sourced its sapphires from the Rock Creek mines operated by Potentate Mining.
“High-quality unheated Montana sapphires are rare,” said Agarwal.
“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."
The miner is able to offer consistent production and a wide range of stunning colors, according to Navneet Gems.
“Our deposit is located in the aptly named ‘Sapphire Mountain Range,’” said Warren Boyd, marketing director of Potentate Mining.
“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.”
The deposit is known for producing stones in pastel hues including blue, teal, and green, as well as rarer shades such as orange, yellow, pink, bi-color combinations, and a cognac tone reminiscent of Pantone’s color of the year for 2025.
These hues capture the very spirit of Montana’s diverse landscapes, according to the company, mirroring “expansive blue skies over the Rocky Mountains to the lush greens of its valleys and the warm, golden tones of its sunlit plains.”
Montana sapphires from Rock Creek may also feature distinctive natural inclusions, including rutile silk inclusions that can give the stone a milky or opalescent appearance, as well as black mica inclusions.
“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,” said 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.”
The company has also reported seeing an uptick in the gemstone being considered for bespoke pieces, engagement rings, and other offerings that appeal to customers of “a new generation that values authenticity and self-expression over mass-market trends.”
While the Asian market remains “untapped,” according to Navneet Gems, the gemstone is gaining traction in European markets, and Agarwal has noticed Australian companies incorporating Montana sapphires into their collections as well.
“It’s similar to how Australian sapphires aren’t limited to Australia—they’re in demand all over the world, including the U.S.,” said Agarwal.
“The same is true for Montana sapphires.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
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.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So FarDiamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
