A client inherited this gorgeous antique Yogo Sapphire pin and asked us to appraise it.
Sapphires were known to occur in several areas of western Montana as early as 1865. For the most part, these deposits produced only moderately good sapphires. The discovery of sapphires in Yogo Creek was different. In 1895, famed gemologist G.F. Kunz, working for Tiffany’s of New York, labeled them “the finest precious gemstones ever found in the United States”.
The Yogo stones are prized for their good clarity and wonderful natural color, often called “cornflower blue”. Unlike the other Montana sapphires, the Yogo gems require no heat treatment whatsoever.
This fabricated pin features a carefully matched and graduated suite of gem quality Yogo sapphires estimated to weigh a total of ~ 3.5 cts. The style tells us made right around the turn of the century– to me, the delicacy of the design suggests the Edwardian style.
The pin was made specifically as a multi-purpose piece. The pin stem and catch both unscrew and the setting at the top of the circle has a fold up loop that can accommodate a fine chain. At one time, something dangled below the bow– you can see the little hook — but that is lost to the mists of time!
We’re members of the American Gem Society, antique jewelry buyers, restorers and appraisers, gemologists specializing in fine gemstones of all types and custom jewelry designers. Yes, we do it all, and we do it well. Stop by the shop and we’ll show you some of our unique jewelry. Open Tues. – Sat. 10 am to 5:30 pm.
james l. sweaney cga fga. gg
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