My Trip to a Montana Sapphire Mine

Magical Montana: My Visit to a Sapphire Mine with Parle Gems

When it comes to sapphires, few places rival the allure of Montana. This August, I had the privilege of visiting the Potentate Sapphire Mine in Montana, thanks to my partners at Parle Gems. It was a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating insights into sapphire mining, and unforgettable experiences that deepened my appreciation for these incredible gemstones. 

Day 1: Exploring Philipsburg & Hands-On Adventures

Our adventure began in the charming town of Philipsburg, where Parle Gems welcomed us with a delightful dinner and thoughtful goodie bags. The next morning, we were treated to a choice of activities: fly fishing, horseback riding, or a Ghost Town tour with shopping. I opted for horseback riding, where I partnered with Casino, my trusty steed, to explore Montana’s stunning terrain under a perfect blue sky. It was truly magical.

After our ride, we enjoyed lunch with Warren from the Potentate Mine, who gave us an insider’s perspective on the mine's operations. The day ended with a visit to Montana Gems, where we sifted through bags of gravel to uncover sapphires by hand. It was messy but rewarding—take a look at my little stash of treasures from just one afternoon!

Day 2: The Potentate Sapphire Mine Experience

Located in the Rock Creek district, the Potentate Sapphire Mine is a marvel of nature and engineering. This privately owned mine produces a dazzling array of sapphires in colors ranging from deep blues to vibrant greens and yellows. As we arrived, we were greeted by Mick, the mine’s lovable dog, and introduced to the impressive machinery processing hundreds of cubic yards of gem-rich gravel every hour.

It was fascinating to see how the sapphires are extracted and sorted. The process combines advanced technology with meticulous care, separating out these natural wonders. We even got to sift through the gravel ourselves, uncovering rough sapphires that ranged from 3.5mm to 5mm in size. Learning that most rough stones yield only 30-40% after cutting made me appreciate the rarity of larger gems even more.

Ethical Mining Practices

A highlight of the visit was learning about Potentate’s commitment to ethical mining. The mine operates under strict environmental regulations, recycling 80-100% of its water and restoring the land after mining is complete. It’s inspiring to see a business prioritize sustainability while supporting the local community.

A Rare Opportunity

One unique experience was the chance to purchase unheated rough sapphires directly from the mine—a rarity, as these stones are usually sold in bulk to partners. I brought home 8-10 exquisite pieces in various colors, which I plan to incorporate into future designs. I can’t wait to share these treasures with you and eventually transform them into stunning jewelry.

 Stay tuned for the launch of Nicole Mera's exclusive Mine to Market collection, featuring Montana sapphires from this incredible trip!

A Memorable Journey

Visiting the Potentate Sapphire Mine with Parle Gems was more than an adventure—it was a window into the artistry of nature, the ingenuity of mining, and the responsibility we bear in sourcing gemstones ethically. These sapphires aren’t just stones; they’re symbols of the earth’s beauty and the care it takes to create meaningful jewelry.

I’m deeply grateful to the Parle team—Brecken, Jonathan, Stephanie, Kate, and Jenn—for organizing such a fabulous trip. It was a top-notch experience alongside an amazing group of creatives, jewelry lovers, and retailers. Thank you for an unforgettable journey!

If you’d like to see the sapphires I brought back or hear more about my experience, let’s connect—I’d love to share this magical Montana story with you!