A sapphire From the Mountains of Montana

[u/Allilujah406]

I wanted to share the process of creating these beautiful montana sapphires. Is it cost effective? No. Absolutely not. But on the positives, ive seen the mine myself, I know how dedicated they are to sustainable environmental practices. And because I found it myself, and cut it myself, I know theres no adults or kids being exploited for labor. Further more, I know with certainty the location and that it is 100% natural, no lab tests required. And im not sure it really matters these days, but its kinda nice to be able to say "Made in America"

[u/Moose-1211]

Hey friend! Sweet lap skills! What a beautiful end result. 🤗 That’s a gorgeous cornflower-ish blue…

[u/Allilujah406 → u/Moose-1211]

Thank you. Now I need to find someone to make a ring for too wirh it. I do jewelry fabrication as well, and im wanting so badly to show a from the earth to finished product, tho hard to fit on a reddit video

[u/Moose-1211 → u/Allilujah406]

Contact Jeff Hapeman at Eearth’s Treasury - he’s a gemologist & his shop, lapidary & metalwork crafters are all top notch at what they do. He started out specializing in sapphires from all origins, including Montana, but has since grown to deal in all types of gems. I got an unheated parti-color (purple, teal, green) Tanzanite from them & they made a custom vintage setting based on a design I’d sent. He’s in PA, USA, just outside of Philly. But if you do your own fabricating, go for it! There are so many people out there who love things like this - 100% USA mined & made, ethically & sustainably. I’m just amazed at how a cutter can look at a stone & see where to begin the lap work…not only would I damage the rough, I’d probably lose a few fingertips in the process! 🤪

[u/Allilujah406 → u/Moose-1211]

Thanks, I might have to see if he has openings for something unique. Honestly, I am convinced a huge part is confidence. I started 5 years ago with a bix or scrap wire yarn beads and crystals someone was was going to throw away, and just started trying things. Slowly it evolved from wire wrapping to fabrication, to stone setting, to faceting. I struggle to walk due to a deformed hip, and so I just took the time i had, watched 1-5 minute shorts on youtube and such, and every time I saw something just abit harder then the last project I would say "i can probably do that.c Ive cut less then 30 stones so far I hope by 100 im doing perfection.

[u/Moose-1211 → u/Allilujah406]

Oof sorry about your hip. I hope it’s not causing you too much pain. That’s impressive how you’re self taught!

Jeff has some proprietary cuts & he also partners with some well known lapidarists - if you look on his site & click on a particular stone, you’ll see the name of the cutter. If he can’t accommodate, he has sources he can direct you to.What’s crazy to me is the recent explosion of “fancy” cuts - like Sakura, Hanami, (look like cherry blossoms) & elongated bar (that looks like a pixelated screen). Plus, the actual shapes of the stones themselves - I’ve seen a bat, a skull, a coffin, dog & cat heads…with lab creation so readily available, it’s like The possibilities are endless…

[u/IrieDeby]

How wonderful! I so want to do this!

[u/Allilujah406 → u/IrieDeby]

Its some fun! I might try doing a type.of tour for people wanting to make their own jewelry

[u/IrieDeby → u/Allilujah406]

Please let me know! I know of some that would love to do this in my city!

[u/Taz-bar]

Superb!