Sourcing

Montana Retailer Acquires, Reopens Yogo Sapphire Mine

SourcingAug 22, 2017

Montana Retailer Acquires, Reopens Yogo Sapphire Mine

The Gem Gallery’s purchase of the Vortex mine near Lewistown will allow the jewelry store to bring the high-quality sapphires back to the market.

20170822-Yogo-sapphires.jpg
A selection of cut Yogo sapphires from the Vortex mine in Montana

Bozeman, Mont.--One Montana retailer will soon be bringing more high-quality Yogo sapphires to the market.

The Gem Gallery, a jewelry store located in downtown Bozeman, has acquired the Vortex mine near Lewistown for an undisclosed sum.

The mine has been closed for the past five years after its previous owner, Mike Roberts, died in an accident while inside the mine. He was cleaning fine ore and putting it into the bucket of a front-end loader when rock fell from about 20 feet up and struck him, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Roberts was a good friend of Gem Gallery owner Don Baide, who told National Jeweler that Roberts had been prodding him to buy the mine for years.

“He harped on it for years,” Baide said. “It got to the point where it was redundant.”

Baide eventually took a team of geologists to the site to map it out, wrote a proposal and gave it to Roberts.

He said Roberts was so excited by his plan for the mine, he immediately started executing it. Talks about purchasing it slowed for a bit, and then things were put on hiatus after his death.

Now, Baide has purchased everything--all rights, claims and equipment--of the Vortex Yogo sapphire mine from Roberts’s wife, Laurie.

Yogo Gulch is one of four major sapphire-producing areas in Montana and was discovered more than 100 years ago, according to the Gemological Institute of America.

Yogo sapphires are known for their uniform, well-saturated blue color, relative absence of inclusions and zonation, and high luster and brilliance in both artificial and natural light, the GIA said. They also have the added advantage of not requiring any heat treatment.

Because of their fine quality, the price differential between Yogo and other fancy Montana sapphires can be significant. Baide said that other Montana sapphires can average about $1,000 per carat, compared with somewhere around $10,000 per carat for a Yogo sapphire.

Yogos also generally come in small sizes, below 2 carats or less, but Baide said that even when they’re bigger in size, they tend to still have a strong, saturated color.

The Vortex mine originally opened in 1984 but was mothballed for a time beginning in 2004, after the operating company at the time became disappointed with production and profitability.

Roberts acquired the mine and its claims in 2008, successfully mining underground

at Yogo through the Vortex portal, utilizing the wash plant originally built by Pacific Cascade Sapphires.

Though the mine shaft was about 300 feet deep, it hadn’t been explored greatly by previous miners to determine the volume of sapphires present. Roberts worked to reach a depth of more than 400 feet while following a vein of Yogo sapphires.

Now, Vortex currently is the largest operating source of Yogo sapphires, according to Baide, who founded Yogo Mining LLC to operate the site.

Baide, who started The Gem Gallery in 1994, will move his primary focus to the mining operations, while his son Jason, who has been serving as the store manager for about a year now, will take over many of his responsibilities at the store.

Initial mining operations will be conducted by a team of six experienced Montanan miners.


An aerial view of the Vortex Yogo sapphire mine near Lewistown, Montana

The site has a lot of potential, both Don and Jason Baide told National Jeweler.

There are estimates that it goes as far down as 5,000 to 7,000 feet, Jason said, noting, though, that the deeper it goes, the harder the matrix rock gets and the more expensive it is to mine.

There is a large amount of material, but the question then becomes whether or not it is economical to mine deeper.

For now, The Gem Gallery is going to focus on the completion of safety improvements--which are required by the Mine Safety and Health Administration following Roberts’s fatal accident, which the administration determined was caused by the lack of examinations and tests for loose ground conditions after blasting--and inspections and then getting it up and running.

They will aim to have some cut stones available for the holiday season, but the site won’t be fully operational until next year.  

And while it’s still too early to tell what production might be, Jason Baide said that their goal would be to “build a longer-term, stable supply,” rather than flooding the market with material, and would keep it to a scale that’s sustainable. To do this, they intend on running the mine on a seasonal basis.

They also will cut the stones themselves, with the elder Baide leveraging a background that includes decades of gemstone cutting expertise to ensure the quality of cut. Yogo Mining will keep everything 2 mm or bigger to cut domestically, preferably by Montana cutters, and then sending anything smaller to international cutters.

And with the mine now in their possession, The Gem Gallery will expand its signature design line and use more Yogos in curated collections from vendors.

It also will help provide the market with fine Yogo sapphires. In fact, while The Gem Gallery will remain the primary outlet for the fine quality stones, it also will supply the trade with the stones as well.

“We think it’s unfair and harmful to Yogo sapphires to say we’re the only ones on the block who have them,” Jason Baide said.

Market Appeal
The timing of the acquisition is perfect for market trends, Jason Baide said, noting that Montana sapphires are popular right now and getting even hotter.  

They appeal to the younger consumer’s desire to know the full story of a stone with the ability to trace from mine to market, not to mention its low environmental impact.

Because the Vortex mine is a hard-rock underground mine, it disturbs fewer than five acres above ground, causing minimal surface disturbance and utilizing no harsh chemicals for extraction. The Gem Gallery also has a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to use the mine’s waste rock as road fill, continuing an agreement that Roberts made.
RELATED CONTENT: Columbia Gem House Merges with Sapphires of Montana
The Baides also believe that coming at the business from their perspective as retail jewelers--rather than mining and construction backgrounds previous owners have had--will offer a unique advantage.

“You have to be able to sell each stone, and we have the network and connections to help do that,” Jason said. “We also have a loyal customer base that loves Yogo (sapphires).”

His father added: “We’re very realistic. We know that having a stone doesn’t mean it’s an instant sell. We know you have to grade it, cut it and market it.”

They said they’ve been working with American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) to improve its Yogo identification by sending the lab samples of rough and cut Yogo sapphires.

The company’s larger gems will have an AGL report, including an indication of the “Yogo Gulch” origin.

“From a personal standpoint, it is nice to see the Yogo mine producing again,” AGL President Christopher P. Smith said. “This material has always been a favorite of mine. From the production that has been submitted to the AGL for testing, I have been impressed by the number and qualities of Yogo sapphires that we have been seeing. It seems that Yogo will be able to continue producing beautiful gems for existing fans of this material and to make new fans going forward.”
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

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.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Branko Gems
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Til Death Ring by Marrow Fine
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ Ring

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

Korman Fine Jewelry Austin store
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size

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

JCK Rocks 2025
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo

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

Conversations with Chris Ploof YouTube Video Series
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series

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

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

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

Lab-grown diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining Sales

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

Zoë Kravitz in Rush Hour Collection
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office Wear

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

Gallet Flying Officer watch
WatchesMar 19, 2025
Breitling Acquires Another Watch Brand From the 1800s

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

×

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