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Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapphire!

A

alisweber

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
13
Hey, first, thanks for anyone willing to other me any advice. I'm not super knowledgeable in terms of what's the best, highest quality, etc in terms of sapphires or any gemstones for that matter. I've spent a good deal of time reading up on these forums which has helped immensely. I'm in the market for a centerstone for an engagement ring. I have a particular color/tint in mind, and it has to be from Montana. Sentimental reason =) My boyfriend and I would like to retire to Montana when we're older and its like carrying a piece of "paradise falls" around with me anywhere I go. Annnnnywhos, here are links to two examples of what I'm looking for. I know most people on this forum hate NSC, however, I'm just posting it as an example to the tint I'm looking for in the sapphire =)

http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Unique/U3667/Round/stoneid=U3667

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/periwinkle-blue-montana-sapphire-engagement-ring.170046/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/periwinkle-blue-montana-sapphire-engagement-ring.170046/[/URL]

If you have any suggestions, PLEASE feel free to post. Budget isn't a huge issue but I'm not looking for any monstrous either =)
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

I've been looking at Montana sapphires too but don't mind sharing info. If I find my stone it's meant to be and besides you are looking for a different color than I am :-). I know nothing about either seller, just what seen online.

Mountain Momma on Etsy specializes in Montana sapphires. She's expecting her first baby in days so hope you aren't in a hurry.
We've exchanged emails.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/105359674/genuine-montana-sapphire-66-mm-round

Looks like they carry high quality stones Please post if you see any of their stones in person. I'm looking for first hand info.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230846900753?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

I really like the colors of these sapphires, the fact that they are US-mined is a bonus.
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Thanks for the posts so far! The sapphires are a little too blue for me, but gorgeous nonetheless!
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Take a look at Wild Fish Gems. They carry only untreated gemstones and have a number of Montana Sapphires. You will pay a premium for it being untreated, but this is for a special ring.

Here is an ice blue one.

http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/14171

meb109-b1.jpg
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Wildfish costs 50% more than the often complained as overpriced NSC? :o

If you like the PSer's really sweet Montana sapphire, why not ask Gene if he has any rough like that, or if he is able to procure one for you? It looks a whole lot prettier than the dishwater coloured NSC Montana sapphire. Do note that many Montana sapphires are now heated.
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

I contacted Gene, thanks!
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

It's fun to see my ring pop up on here, such a sweet compliment. Thank you! :mrgreen:

Did you see the Gemfix sapphires on the lowest line, especially the one on the left (I am so glad that they are finally doing handshots! That's a game changer!)? They look greener than mine (our sapphire is definitely on the more violet-blue side), but the handshots look similar in saturation. However, none of those are rounds if you are set on a round. This one (a round) also looks sort of similar (a bit more gray and slightly more saturated) in the handshot: Order/Stock No.: sapphire_montana_294

I hope Gene might have something for you, and best of luck in your search! :wavey:
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Hey guys, I think Michael over at Litnon had some nice Montana sapphires, and I know Jim Rentfrow just got a bunch of rough in that he's really excited about if you were interested in custom cuts..?
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

How can I get ahold of Jim Rentfrow?
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Chrono|1348794539|3275793 said:
Wildfish costs 50% more than the often complained as overpriced NSC? :o

If you like the PSer's really sweet Montana sapphire, why not ask Gene if he has any rough like that, or if he is able to procure one for you? It looks a whole lot prettier than the dishwater coloured NSC Montana sapphire. Do note that many Montana sapphires are now heated.
Click to expand...


Really? I had no idea. Crumb. I admire so many gems on that site but often feel as though I simply cannot "afford" them.


Anyway, I am also interested in Jim R's contact info, as I have been looking for stones like this myself.

cheers--Sharon
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

http://flawlessfacets.com/

this is jim's website. he says at his website he rarely posts all of what he has so if you're interested in something particular the best thing is to contact him.
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Thanks for the plug MZ, I appreciate it. I am not sure if you all saw it but I recently met a man who bought 3 kilos of high grade Montana sapphire rough many decades ago. Needless to say there will be a lot on the site in the future. I already cut the big 10 carat pieces of rough(which are sold, sorry ladies)!
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

I've been on the same hunt for a while! They are gorgeous, but hard to come by!

Sounds like Jim Rentfrow is a great resource.

I would also try contacting Dana from Mastercut gems. He is a truly great guy to deal with and has some beautiful gems.
http://www.mastercutgems.com/

Good luck and be sure to post pics when you find your stone! :twirl:
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

I've contacted about 12 gem cutters and only two so far have said they have might something but there's not a huge chance.

I am trying to get in touch with Dana as I'd truly like to see if he has anything as he has sold a few recently that were ones I would have considered but I haven't been able to get in touch with him yet via email. I'm crossing my fingers to hear something soon!

I've broadened my search to include darker blue Montana sapphires as I like how it looks in the setting I'm having designed =)
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Chrono|1348794539|3275793 said:
Wildfish costs 50% more than the often complained as overpriced NSC? :o

If you like the PSer's really sweet Montana sapphire, why not ask Gene if he has any rough like that, or if he is able to procure one for you? It looks a whole lot prettier than the dishwater coloured NSC Montana sapphire. Do note that many Montana sapphires are now heated.
Click to expand...


Ouch, wildfish is pricey!
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

alisweber|1349291095|3278770 said:
Thanks for the suggestions so far!

I've contacted about 12 gem cutters and only two so far have said they have might something but there's not a huge chance.
I am trying to get in touch with Dana as I'd truly like to see if he has anything as he has sold a few recently that were ones I would have considered but I haven't been able to get in touch with him yet via email. I'm crossing my fingers to hear something soon!

I've broadened my search to include darker blue Montana sapphires as I like how it looks in the setting I'm having designed =)
Click to expand...


Wow--great info. I am not going to follow....I will see how it unfolds and please let us know! I guess darker is the way to go for me as well.

cheers--Sharon
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

I'm new here, so take this with a grain of salt. If you like the color and size of the NSC stone, I wouldn't rule out purchasing it (and returning if you don't like it). Many PSers have purchased from NSC and have been pleased with the result. The knock on NSC is often 1). duplication of photo on pairs some years ago 2). High-prices 3) Poor cuts.

The first one doesn't apply to your stone as it is solo. While the majority of the gems on their site seem cut for size and have huge windows, I think many PSers would admit that some of their stones are abley cut. The stone you linked, while lacking what we think of as a stellar precision cut, seems acceptably-made to my eye. In terms of price, it is certainly high, but NSC does have periodic sales that are very good. So if you check out the site periodically, I'm sure the stone will be listed for 15-25% off the current price, which would make it acceptably priced. The sales tend to occur around holidays. There would also be no harm in just asking whether you could have it for the discounted price they offered over labor day, or to have it discounted 15% as per their october pink sapphire sale. Also ask for a 3rd party certification.

I have nothing to do with them, but I just thought I'd encourage you not to rule it out as an option, especially since you have contacted many cutters with little luck.
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

CC,
I agree with all your points about NSC but you are missing one more key detail - customer service. If you are the type to be happy with whatever you get, great! NSC will treat you well. If you have issues with the stone, things start to become unpleasant. NSC has not hesitated to insult their customers online or in private dealings.
 
Re: Desperate need of help finding an ice blue montana sapph

Thanks Chrono. You're right, I did forget to include complaints about customer service. In fairness, there are also reports on this board that they can be helpful, and have worked hard to address problems after items have been sold. So they have mixed results in this department (although particularly egregious incidents should be cause for great concern).

I think its fair to say PSers have used NSC with varying results. And for me, they would be far from the top of my list for many of the reasons I mentioned and the one Chrono reminded me of. I would advise anyone to explore other options (as it sounds like OP is doing) before buying from NSC if they wanted my advice. But I have also seen them sell some lovely stones that people were quite happy with and heard they can be helpful. And if OP likes their stone and is having trouble finding its doppleganger elsewhere, I wouldn't rule out exploring purchasing from them. I would just advise anyone to pursue purchasing from them carefully.

I guess my main concern was that OP might be denying herself the option of NSC because, as she says, "most people on this forum hate NSC." I think that's innaccurate. Yet, its up to each individual to soak in the various reports and recommendations and decide with whom to do business. I wouldn't rule them out as a low-on-the-list option, but maybe the negative reports are enough for OP to do so.
 
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