Sourcing

Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires

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 montana sapphire
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 … 

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.”

The Latest

Stock image a police car
Policies & IssuesOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-Grabs

The alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Sherry Smith
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

Bryan Cowan and Tom Schwartz
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMO

FGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

JIS Miami fall
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to Miami

The 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.

Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tiffany gold cat pin Sandy Lerner
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner Auction

These jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.

Sorellina Postscript Collection Campaign Imagery of Paper Plane Pendant
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ Collection

The fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Bruce Bridges CIBJO
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO Board

The AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.

Aerial image of the Lungwebungu River
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership

The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.

Pandora facility Vietnam front view
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in Vietnam

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

Hearts On Fire Dream Heart Pendant
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart Pendant

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Surveillance images of robbery suspects
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab Robbery

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18-karat Jubilee gold with aventurine dial
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Peoples Training & Research Centre Gujarat India
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Jason of Beverly Hills Stanley Cup Championship Ring for Carolina Hurricanes
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck Pendant

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

Meredith Young Nebula ring
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

Time CEO Jessica Sibley, Botswana President Duma Boko, and Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo in New York
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is Recovering

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

Oscar Heyman A Living Archive Holiday Book
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Gemfields rubies
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby Mine

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in September

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

JA New York sign
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking Event

The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.

Christy Bromberg
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68

She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Dionne Warwick brown diamond ring from Sultan of Brunei
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for Auction

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

Matt Stuller
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind Spot

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy