September’s Birthstone: Sapphire
September’s birthstone, the sapphire, has long been admired for its stunning deep-blue hues, timeless elegance, and symbolic ties to wisdom, loyalty, and truth. At B. Anthony & Co., sapphires hold an even more special meaning this year. Our owner, Briana, recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Montana to mine sapphires firsthand—a rare experience that connected her passion for fine jewelry to the very origins of these remarkable gems.
Exploring the Historic Yogo Mine
Briana’s trip began at the historic Yogo Sapphire Mine, the only primary sapphire deposit in the United States. Alongside a group of gemologists, appraisers, dealers, and jewelers from around the world, she descended underground into the mine with shovel in hand. Each participant had the chance to dig into the brecciated veins and wash a bucket of material, revealing anywhere from 10 to 40 raw sapphire crystals!
Guided by geologist and miner George Lindt from RONCOR Corporation, the group learned about the unique geology of Yogo sapphires, which are especially prized because they require no heat treatment to enhance their natural color. The visit wrapped with a walk along Yogo Creek and a stop at the old Vortex mine’s processing plant, an educational and eye-opening look at Montana’s sapphire history.
Mining Along the Missouri River
The adventure continued with a guided trip to three local mines along the Missouri River. Under the direction of gemologist and dealer Robert Kane, Briana and the group had the opportunity to pan through gravel deposits, uncovering sapphires in lighter shades of green-blue and yellow.
At the Eldorado Mine, Briana witnessed the full process of sapphire recovery: from digging gravel-rich layers to using pulsating jigs that separate heavy sapphires, garnets, and hematite from the rest. To top it off, she even witnessed gold panning, as sapphires are often found alongside traces of gold in the river gravels.
As the day ended with rain and sun, the group was treated to a breathtaking double rainbow over the Montana landscape, followed by a hearty dinner of Montana beef by the lake, an unforgettable conclusion to a long, rewarding day.
Bringing the Experience Home
For Briana, this trip was more than just an adventure, it was a chance to deepen her connection to sapphires, the gem she helps her clients celebrate every September and beyond. From witnessing their natural origins to understanding the meticulous processes of mining, she now brings this knowledge and passion back to B. Anthony & Co., enriching the experience of every client who chooses sapphires for themselves or a loved one.
Workshop & Certification Highlight
In addition to her hands-on mining experiences, Briana also completed a three-day workshop during her trip, earning three new certifications. Of particular note for sapphire lovers, she received a certificate in “Treatment and Origin Determination of Sapphires.” This advanced training allows her to better identify where a sapphire was mined and whether it has undergone any treatments—knowledge that ensures every sapphire at B. Anthony & Co. is sourced and represented with the highest level of integrity and expertise.
This September, as we celebrate the timeless beauty of sapphires, we invite you to visit our showroom in downtown San Luis Obispo to explore our hand-selected sapphire jewelry. Each piece tells a story of elegance, rarity, and now, of a personal journey to the heart of Montana’s sapphire country.