Look out diamonds, Montanans’ have a new favorite gemstone for Engagement Rings

12:44 PM, Mar 30, 2018
11:50 AM, Jul 11, 2019

Diamonds and engagement rings – a pairing as classic as cheese and crackers – seem to be outshined by a Montana native, the Yogo Sapphire. While diamonds are the gems that many associate with bridal jewelry, they’re certainly not the most unique gems to put on your beloved’s finger. For many young couples looking for something spectacular with true Montana pride, one can hardly recommend a more fitting jewel than Yogo Sapphires.

 

The reign of the Diamond

For some, it’s hard to imagine anything but a diamond in an engagement ring, but the tradition isn’t as old as many believe. While diamond engagement rings date back to the Victorian period, it wasn’t until the 1940s that they truly dominated in bridal jewelry. While Victorians often used diamonds, they also sported sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls for center stones. There was a major marketing push for diamonds in the 1930s, with slogans such as De Beers “A diamond is forever” establishing a new norm that has lasted ever since.

A New Trend

In this day and age, however, the reign of diamonds has some serious competition, especially among a younger market. Over the last few years, there has been a rise in colored gemstone engagement rings across the nation. Some couples are simply looking for a splash of color. A humanitarian and conservational mindset has turned the attention of other couples from the conflict-ridden history of diamonds, toward a more humane and sustainable option – a gemstone they can trace from mine to market.

 

Why Yogos? They’re Pure Montana

Here in Montana, the diamond alternative is clear. Jason Baide, co-owner of The Gem Gallery in Bozeman, said, “There has been a tremendous excitement about Yogo Sapphires in wedding jewelry. Last year, over half of our engagement rings had Montana Sapphires.”

Yogos are only found in one mine, located in the center of the state, and have been a part of Montana history since the 1890s. Unlike most sapphires, the vibrant color of Yogos are completely natural, never needing heat treatment. They are considered among the finest sapphires in the world. The Yogo mine, having been closed for years, has just been purchased last August by the founder of The Gem Gallery, Don Baide, with prospects of reopening it this summer. The Baides are known for their knowledge of gemology and skill as goldsmiths, with every piece created at The Gem Gallery designed to last more than just a lifetime.

 

Come to the 2018 Bridal Walk

Interested in what The Gem Gallery has to offer? Stop by during the Downtown Bozeman Bridal Walk on April 7th and check out their unrivaled Yogo Sapphire collection.

Visit Us

402 East Main St.
Bozeman, MT 59715

(406)-587-9339
(800)-856-3709

gemgallery.com

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