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life in the facet lane

Exotic shades of
Montana sapphires set
in 18K gold form elegant
Wild West pendant earrings;
Courtesy Diana Widman

Sparklers

Recognizing Their Unique Hues
he romance of
America’s early For innovative jewelry artists, Montana sapphire offers a real windfall for
the creative process. These sapphire colors, besides the vibrant blue are a
T Wild West holds
people spellbound even designer’s dream. Greens, yellows, greys, lavenders and everything in between
today. This was all new and expand the range of designing opportunities for a creative mind.
unexplored territory for Designer's Dream
the settlers from our eastern
seaboard and abroad. Couture designer Diana Widman, www.dianawidman.com, has had a love
The strange terrain and affair with these elegant stones for some time. “I first began working with
even stranger wildlife were a Montana sapphires about ten years ago, before anyone really knew about
wonder to early frontiersmen them to any great extent,” she confides. “I came across the uncut, natural
by Diana Jarrett GG RMV who risked all to push their crystal rough and immediately fell in love with the palette of soft greens,
way westward. teals, and purple,” she tells us.
We still consider those early years to be some of
the most storied collective memories that Americans And for eco-minded collectors, these sparklers can be a perfect fit.
cherish. But did you know that there are also homegrown “Although there is sapphire mining in Montana,” Widman explains,
gemstones found in our western regions? When we “much of what I have had was found in dry, glacially-formed riverbeds,
think of precious gems like ruby, sapphire and emerald, so I’ve always felt good about that.”
we imagine them coming from exotic locales around the
world. We’d be right. But there are also precious colored Serious collectors take pride in this beautiful stone being produced right
stones found right here in Montana’s Big Sky country. here in the United States. But it wouldn’t be that popular if it didn’t dazzle
As more gemstone collectors seek out unusual stones to us with its unexpected coloration and lively brilliance. “I’ve sold much of
personalize their jewelry wardrobe, Montana sapphire my Big Sky collection to people who appreciate rare stones,” Widman
has been quietly gathering a loyal following off the radar. points out. As a key element to custom jewelry creation, Widman knows
why Montana sapphires are finding a wide fan-base. “The soft colors in
Finding Montana Sapphire combination with yellow and green gold make these pieces beloved by all

my clients because they are surprisingly neutral.”
The state of Montana, referred to as the Treasure
State is rich in minerals and gemstones including two
Have you been eager to expand your jewelry collection with unusual stones
categories of sapphire identified by their region of
in rare colors? Try Montana and Yogo sapphires as an adventurous way to
discovery. Yogo Sapphire can be found in the state’s
central district, while Fancy Montana Sapphire is personalize your accessories wardrobe in colors that will start a conversation
and maybe incite an envious glance or two.
recovered mostly in western Montana.
Wishing You a New Year Every Bit as Dazzling as You Are!

Contact Diana Jarrett at diana@dianajarrett.com and read color-n-ice.blogspot.com www.dianajarrett.com

24 Life in Naples | January 2020