Huge Montana Sapphire

This 5.15 carat Montana Sapphire may not be a Yogo, but it’s an incredible heirloom. The antique platinum ring is 100% correct.  Here’s a copy of the certificate:

If you are interested in purchasing this heirloom, please e-mail bigskygold@ymail.com.

Surprise your Sweetheart with the gift of jewelry from Big Sky Gold.
406-453-7300/bigskygold@ymail.com.

3-Stone Diamond Ring Fit for a Princess

(Right) Fit for a princess, this 3-stone Princess cut ring with “Leo Cut” Princess Cut diamonds retails for nearly $4000. From an estate, this ring is only $2000.

Yogo Sapphire and Diamond Dangles

(Above) Yogo Sapphire and Tapered Diamond Baguettes catch the light below diminutive oval leverback earrings. The Yogos, AAA quality, total .80 carats, the diamonds are .24 carats, total weight (VS Clarity, I to J Color). Compare at $3000 or more at retail. From Big Sky Gold, for your Valentine: $1318.

Sweet Diamond and Sapphire Singing Suite!

(Above) I’ve always said that sapphires and diamonds are like ice cream and hot fudge sauce: they have their own merits, but together, they’re even more delicious. The center of this ring is just about 1 carat, the sides are both about 6 mm. and are 3/4 carat each. The sapphires are totally cool: they are cut to fit into the designed spaces without any gaps, period. This means you have a sheet of gemstones without anywhere for dirt, dust, etc. to find a home. All the big diamonds in the earrings and ring are genuine antique European Cuts; the tiny halo diamonds and the ones in the sides are modern cuts. The earrings are 2 carats, total weight, and made by the same hand. Platinum, of course. Retail is about $25K-$30K; your cost is $17,211 for the set.

(Left) A halo for your angel…75 carat I Color, SI2 Clarity Princess Cut Diamond (nice SI2), in pave halo 14 k. white gold setting with .50 ctw. micro-pave diamonds. Includes band, with .15 ct. micropave. Estate, fully restored. Sizeable. You’d pay $4K easy from a retailer. Big Sky price:  $2170.

Pink Sapphires in Bloom

(Left) Very beautiful ladies platinum (pt 950) ring with 5 pink genuine sapphires weighing 1 ctw and 26 round genuine diamonds weighing 1ctw. The total ring weight is 10.4 grams and size is 6.5.
List Price: $3,734.00
Big Sky Price: $1,678.00

Strike Up the Band!

(Left) Remarkable 18k white gold ring. Set with 193 round natural diamonds weighing 2.02ctw. Diamonds have H-I color with Si2 clarity. Ring size is 6-1/4, measures 7/16″ wide at the top. Weighs 12.7 grams. List Price: $3,492.00 Big Sky: $1,783.00

2.10 carat F Color VS2 Clarity IDEAL CUT!!!

No better time to propose than VALENTINE’S DAY! This 2.10 carat F Color VS2 Clarity EGL certified IDEAL CUT DIAMOND is the buy of the year. $22,411. Go ahead, shop and compare. Then call me at 406-453-7300 before this one is sold!!!

(Below) Absolutely stunning ladies necklace crafted in solid 18k yellow gold with white gold accents. Holds 725 round genuine rubies weighing 20ctw+/- AND 325 round genuine diamonds weighing 10ctw+/-. Also set with 25 cultured saltwater Akoya pearls, each measuring 6.0-6.4mm. This necklace measures 18-1/2″ long and 1-1/8″ long. Weight is 104.3 grams total. Fastens with a hidden locking box clasp with fold over safety catch. List Price: $22,400.00 Wholesale Price: $8,654.00

Rubies, Diamonds and Pearls in a Magnificent Wreath Necklace

Is it Blue? Is it Violet? It's a Gorgeous Yogo Sapphire!

(Above).72 ct. Square Modified Mixed Cut (Hey, I’m picky: it’s not exactly a princess cut).. 4.6 millimeters, square. Retail: $3345 (no kidding).
Big Sky price: $1886.

http://baizblogger.hubpages.com/hub/Platinum-vs-White-Gold-The-Battle-of-Precious-Jewelry-Metals

I never make resolutions to ring in a new year. OK, I did put my gym membership on hold for the month of January to avoid the temporarily resolute folks who sweat on my favorite elliptical trainer, does that count?

This year I admit it: I’m itching to try new things. Spend more time in New York City, finish up a non-fiction book proposal about my apartment hunt in Manhattan, refine my business strategy.

I’ve never been an e-tailer. I initially sought a web presence to reinforce my ‘wholesale by appointment’ business model. I stopped advertising in 2010. In the past I’ve hired a few nice people to maintain a sporadic Internet presence, all of them promising it would be easy to contact them to do updates or figure out the fifteen-step protocol on my own (ha!). In October decided to take the digital reins to a stale old website, turn it into an easy-to-update blog, and go it alone.

It’s been interesting: clients have complained that they missed my annual “Holiday Menu” in their mailboxes. I’ve received some great comments too–as comments on individual posts, on the phone, via e-mail and in person.

The purpose of this blog is to maintain a connection–it’s not to try to find a new customer base in Saginaw, Michigan or Valdez, Alaska or Oklahoma City. Internet sales still make my tummy tight; I guess I’m suspicious by nature. I welcome the value-conscious and my aesthetic kindred, but I’m not out to rock the world (just to rock your finger).

Still, with an active client list of over 1,200 and a “no print/broadcast/mailer” policy, I’m disappointed with the number of hits on this blog (only about 10 a day).

A Virtual Window into our Real Window

So I decided to buff this site, to turn it into a polished window aimed at my jewelry studio, AND to use another resource, HubPages, as the educational arm of Big Sky Gold. I’ll find a wider audience for my twenty years of experience, education and advice. Hubpages isi higher on the Google search engines, and although it would be nice to get a few new clients, the main goal is to inform jewelry buyers and precious metals investors with tips, advice, directions and connections.

It’s an experiment: I’m going to try this for 6 months. What do you think?  I value your questions, comments and cogent feedback. Please comment below or e-mail bigskygold@ymail.com.

Claire

With the spot price of gold exceeding platinum in recent weeks (www.kitco.com) , platinum appears to be in the doldrums. It’s not the first time this rare natural white metal has faced a tough challenge.

Though platinum jewelry has been around since ancient times, it began to be widely used in jewelry about 200 years ago. At first it didn’t pass muster on its own; “platinum over gold” was preferred. Look closely at this ring, an example from our own inventory. The shank is yellow gold. If you turn it over, you’d see that the platinum overlay into which the diamonds are set is actually quite thin.

Platinum is overlaid atop gold in this antique diamond ring.

By the 1910′s platinum had gained traction with the fashion conscious, just in time to be struck down by WWI.

Platinum was declared a strategic metal, probably because early internal combustion engines used a heated platinum tube for ignition.

With a gap in the marketplace, a stable attractive white gold alloy was developed. You can look like an expert if you wander into a jeweler and remark, “Ah yes, this ring is crafted in white gold. It was made after 1914.”

Since the introduction of less expensive white gold, the popularity of platinum as a jewelry metal has waxed and waned. In the early 1990′s, an international consortium of miners and refiners was formed to promote platinum: its use in catalytic converters was waning and the industry was attempting to expand their market.

The Platinum Guild offered incentives and advertising for platinum jewelry designers. They sponsored magazine ads and published an annual ‘drool book’ of fine designs that featured the best artisans of the era. I treasure these volumes, though they have not been published in years. Next time you stop by, I’ll show you an issue or two.

Platinum is the standard precious metal for bridal jewelry, due in no small part to this proactive marketing effort.

Still, white gold has maintained a following. These days it’s rare for a jeweler to hear a bride announce a preference for yellow gold. The choice is between white metals, not between yellow gold and platinum.

At the dawn of 2012, with the spot price of platinum below that of gold, platinum jewelry is still more expensive than the same ring, earring, necklace, timepiece, chain or bracelet in white gold.

When I called a few metals brokers to buy 10 oz. of platinum for a client, I was told to “forget about it”…well, forget about buying physical “hold in your hand” platinum at a price anywhere near the advertised contract spot price. It’s normal for precious metals to be traded above ‘spot’ for physical delivery, but no one I talked to had any platinum to sell at under $1750/oz (spot was just over $1435).  The reason for this huge gap is the subject of another blog post–one that has more to do with global economics than ring fingers–but suffice it to say that, in significant quantities, platinum is still mighty pricey.

Platinum is not only much more rare than gold, it’s also more difficult to work with. Its melting temperature is nearly twice that of gold, and platinum is sometimes loathe to take a nice polish. Casting platinum requires special care and equipment.

When I look at a website that most jewelers use, www.Stuller.com, my cost for a nice stout white gold solitaire is $197, the same model in platinum is $472.

White metal is great for diamonds: the cool color can enhance a diamond’s sparkle, make it look larger and even offer enhanced protection.

Which white metal is better for jewelry, white gold or platinum? Is the newcomer, palladium, a real contender to be “the other white metal”?

The answer depends on the jewelry…and the wearer. I’ll explain in my next post.

Perfect to hold that scarf, adorn a strapless runched gown, or on a business suit.

Antique DIamond Ring, Platinum over Gold

 

This amazing ring came to me from New Orleans after Katrina. It had one missing baby…do you see it? I waited until I found the perfect old mine cut diamond. Once it was restored, I admit it, I had a hard time thinking about selling this ring. It’s just such an amazing example of fine craftsmanship. NOT for daily wear. Center is well over a carat. Call or e-mail for details. Retail: $8500. Big Sky price: $3254.

Nine Carat Custom Cut Tourmaline

Fit for a Greek goddess! Okay, okay…a small fingered goddess. I tried to jam this ring onto my finger, and Honey, I ain’t Cinderella. Currently a size five (it’s wide, fits a 4 1/2) this 22 karat hand crafted ring is sizeable. The ring makes a bold statement of feminine authority.  Put it on your finger, point, and tell him where to go. Appraised at $4500. SOLD!!!

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO BUY A FINE WATCH FOR CHRISTMAS!

My friend Chip owns a watch business online, www.watcheslikenew.com.  Go ahead, click on this link and you’ll see the best prices on fine watches on the ‘net. I don’t stock watches, but Chip will ship them to me on a three-day approval, at the price you see on the screen.  Almost all come with a one-year warranty! Rolex, Patek, Mueller, IWC, Cartier, Breitling, and more! Ladies and gents watches, restored by certified technicians and offered at substantial discounts to retail. Check him out and get the best of hybrid marketing: a world class selection of timepieces from your hometown by-appointment wholesaler.

Bring her to her knees. Over a carat emerald cut diamond in the center, H color, VS clarity, with a CUSTOM CUT emerald halo and a rim of diamonds, all in 18 k. white gold. Made by an old world craftsman in sunny Florida. Retail: $12,000. Big Sky price: $6754.

We have gift boxes to present the gift of a loose diamond or Yogo Sapphire. Let her decide: ring, pendant, (gulp) belly button dangle?  Loose diamond prices begin at $250…Yogos as low as $100.

 Looking for a stocking stuffer???

Big Sky Gold has a great selection of antique and period brooches and pins, starting at $120.   Wear them in clusters, wear ‘em alone, on the brim of a hat, on the strap of sundress.

My favorite is this 18 karat gold sampan pin with a moveable man at the tiller. Price depends on gold spot!

Hey, it’s the time of year to celebrate, to commemorate, to splurge. A diet??? Fawget about it! All those treats, bake sales, tempting party trays, the invisible ring in your nose that leads you to your favorite pastry shop.

How about indulging in treats that will last a lifetime?

Go ahead, enjoy our moveable feast. These won’t affect your waistline.

I feel like Willy Wonka’s long lost sister. Open the door, page all the way down…and don’t forget to comment for a chance at the Yogo Sapphire studs we’re giving away TODAY, F

This Treat is Served RARE

For the collector…an Antique Victorian watch holder with all the bells and whistles! Yellow gold with rose gold and green gold highlights, natural seed pearls, totally intact taille d epergne black enamel, and…incredible tassels to boot! Nearly three inches in length. Retail $2000. Big Sky price: $814.

A Gift from the Sea

The PERFECT Montana necklace. Why??? It’s a bold statement without being in your face or out of place. Look great at the Belt  rodeo, fly to Whitefish for a gourmet dinner, do a little swing dancing at a bistro on the lake. Three outfits, one 18 karat necklace with luminous South Sea Pearls.  Retail is over $10K! From Big Sky Gold $6256.

2.00 carat Round Brilliant Yogo

Call around. Check the web.

IF you can find a full depth AAA quality Round Brilliant Cut Yogo Sapphire for less, call me, please!  At 2.00 carats, it’s more rare than a 10 carat diamond. This rare beauty retails for about $50,000.

Diamonds & Yogos

 

Clips!

Not just for ears!

Clip these way cool vintage florentine earrings on the shoulders of a Hattie Carnegie dress, clip ‘em to those stiletto pumps, on the notches of that evening jacket. Retail: $2500. Big Sky Gold: $577. That’s less than $33/pearl with FREE GOLD CLIPS! (1940s).

Timeless Beauty

The diamond is about a hundred years old, set in platinum. Now, tell me it doesn’t still take your breath away. This is THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING. Festoon other fingers with fad jewelry. Put this on her finger and pass it on to your grandchildren. 1.60 ct. European Cut diamond, H Color, SI1 Clarity. Retail $22,000. Big Sky price: SOLD.

Better than Tacori. Hefty yet feminine hand-engraved platinum ring with a gorgeous ideal cut 1.03 carat G SI2 Center.  Retail: $11,500. From Big Sky Gold, $5823.

                                                      

Wow! A half-carat diamond necklace for $480

Over 1/2 carat, in a yellow gold necklace, complete with chain, under $500. Hey, with the price of gold at about $1700 an ounce, some jewelers are charging this much just for the empty mounting! It’s a price-point piece, for sure, with low color and clarity, but it’s a great size and a classic necklace. Retail $999. Big Sky price: $480.

 

 

 

Yes!

Pop the question when you pop the champagne cork this New Year’s Eve! 1.12 carat J Color VS2 Clarity Round Brilliant Cut Diamond, set into three stone ring with coordinating band. White gold. Retail: $12,000. SOLD!

Fit for a Princess!

A certified 1.04 carat I Color, SI2 Clarity PrincessCut in a 14 k. white gold solitaire.  Frankly, I think this is a J Color (I’m picky). The mall jewelers would sell this for $8999! From Big Sky Gold, $3727. Hurry, I’ll size it for Christmas, our gift to your fiancee from Big Sky Gold.

On the way to the next course in our progressive dinner party, it won’t hurt to admire the view…or the finger of your companion in your one-horse open sleigh.

#3729.Take her breath away with this three-stone diamond ring.  A 1.12 ct. J Color, VS1 Clarity Round Brilliant center  nestled in white gold with happy companions. Retail: $10,000. From Big Sky Gold, $4876.

In Fanny Farmer’s day it wasn’t unusual for fine dinner parties to feature seven, eight, up to twelve courses. There were fish courses, vegetable courses, and of course, a few courses served ON ICE!

A Diamond Bracelet That's Easy to Wear

A Holiday Wreath for her wrist! This hinged bangle features over three carats of fine diamonds, including six natural yellow round brilliants Can you spot them? Sized for a larger wrist, this channel set white gold bracelet won’t catch on things, and it’s stout enough to be worn by an active Montana gal. Retail: $8,500. Yours for $3,383.

One Full Carat of Diamonds!

Glimmer all year! Always in fashion, easy to wear, nicely made diamond ring, 14 k. white gold, pave set. Retail is $2500. Gift wrapped, from Big Sky Gold, $585. ONE SOLD, ONE LEFT!

Across the Finger or Up and Down, a Dangling Pendant? It's UPTOWN!

Blue Ice! Will you look at this 2.01 carat cushion cut Yogo Sapphire??? It’s phenomenal. Classic open royal blue color, gorgeous clarity, cut with precision, and tipping the scales in the rare air for  Yogo Sapphires: over two carats. Retail: $49,747. Big Sky Price: $26,532.

In House!

Sweet Ice!

Take a sentimental journey around her lovely neck with this white gold, 1/2 carat total weight princess cut diamond Journey necklace. Retail $1399. Take a little trip to Big Sky Gold to pick this up for $490.

Over Ten Carats for Her Wrist!

Second holes? First diamond earrings? Set into white gold, we have a nice selection of smaller studs, including this pair,

Studs Galore!!!

If you’re fretting about what to give your Sweetheart, check her ears and check the jewelry box. No diamond studs? They light up a woman’s face. We have many pairs in stock and can set up a match for you: name your budget and we’ll do our best.  Tiny studs for second holes upon request.

What’s all this about? Just add ice! If you purchase a loose diamond from Big Sky Gold, we’ll work hard to find the perfect setting: would you believe all these settings are available via overnight delivery? It’s not too late to give her a ring for Christmas.

Prices will vary…

Fit for a Princess

Glove Friendly for Dental and Medical Professions--and Skiiers!

This is called a 'cathedral' style ring.

Ruby! Ruby! Ruby!

Did you know our Secretary of State is headed to Burma soon? U.S. diplomatic ties –and our gem trade–with this totalitarian regime were severed years ago, resulting in an embargo on Burmese Rubies. This vintage bracelet, pre-embargo, is crafted in 18k. white gold. Over twenty-five carats of UNHEATED GENUINE BURMESE RUBIES. This signed bracelet sings in candlelight and would easily sell at auction for much more. Layer with a diamond bracelet, maybe a Yogo bracelet too. Big Sky price: $18,970.

Gorgeous Diamond set in Platinum

Who says fine craftsmanship is dead? This cutter’s skill, the setter’s hand,

2.45 ct. Diamond Pear Shape...

Charles Krypell Diamond Bracelet

Sea Motif Brooch...for a Serious Collector

Another Lucky size 7! NOT SIZEABLE.

Yogos...Yogos ...Yogos

Get a clue, gentlemen. Every woman wants studs!

They’re the perfect gift. A nice pair of studs can be served up with any outfit. They don’t need to be sized and will be treasured for a lifetime. The studs at Big Sky Gold have passed muster: straight up, they are the best studs around.

If you already have diamond earrings and want a larger pair, you can make a three-stone ring with your smaller set: set a birthstone, a Yogo sapphire, or another diamond between your old earrings and, voila! You’ve got the makings of a cool new ring.

Walk around my Progressive Dinner Party and flirt with these bad boys!

2.02 ctw. Antique Diamond Studs

Genuine Cushion Cut Diamonds, at least a hundred years old. These diamonds are VS1 and SI1 (superb clarity, especially for earrings), legit J to K color (mall stores? Many would call these H color). Totally unique. Dealer list is $10,100. SOLD!

Gorgeous Handcrafted Sapphire and Diamond Studs

 So much prettier in person.

If you want a pair of signature studs, something your teenage granddaughter will admire with tenderness decades from now, buy these–and WEAR THEM! Painstakingly handcrafted with custom cut sapphires in platinum. 1.86 ctw. in diamonds, 1.25 carats in sapphires. Retail: $14,875. SALE PENDING.

 

The sparkle standard: a nice pair of 1.00 carat total weight diamond studs, set in white gold four prong settings. F & G Color, SI Clarity. Very nicely cut. Retail $3150. From BIG SKY GOLD? Sorry, they’re sold!

Not Sure About Bezels? Try These!

 

You’ve seen the 1.56 ctw. bezel set pair of diamond studs.  Take a look at these: G and H Color, SI3 Clarity, set in four prong white gtold studs. Hurry! This pair Wow. Look at that price. THESE WON’T LAST! $3977.

 

Snow Flowers for your Winter Princess. These classic feminine platinum and diamond earwires feature tiny hooks on the back–just in case you want to dangle a South Sea Pearl below them for a special occasion. Look at the care and obvious joy went into making these! 2.14 carats, total weight. From a guild jeweler with thick profits and beefy margins, this pair would cost $14K. YOUR BIG SKY PRICE: $7125.

MANY MORE PAIRS IN STOCK.

SETTINGS ON SIMPLE STUDS ARE EASILY EXCHANGED to suit her lifestyle.

If you have a budget of $500 or more, I’ll put together a nice pair of diamond earrings for you. Much less than that, though, and you’re better off with another jewelry gift…from Big Sky Gold, of course!

406/453-7300  By Appointment in downtown Great Falls, Montana