Business Details
44 Years
experience
Handcrafted Montana Sapphire Jewelry Since 1982
Stephen Isley Jewelry has been a trusted name in Montana's jewelry industry since 1982, specializing in Montana Sapphires and Yogo Sapphires. Founded by Stephen Isley and Cindy Just, our business combines over four decades of craftsmanship with a deep commitment to ethical sourcing and artistic innovation. Stephen's expertise in gemstone relationships and Cindy's artistic vision established a foundation of quality that continues under manager Tess Tucker, who has upheld our standards for six years.We offer hand-selected gemstones, custom-designed pieces, and heirloom-quality jewelry reflecting Montana's natural beauty. Our dedication to transparency, personalized service, and preserving the legacy of American craftsmanship has made us a destination for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts nationwide.
Services
Montana Sapphires
Custom Jewelry Design
Loose Gemstones
Jewelry Sales
Ethical Sourcing
Heirloom Jewelry
Gemstone Appraisals
Special Orders
Montana Yogo Sapphires
Jewelry Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of expertise in Montana Sapphires and jewelry design
- Our team maintains direct relationships with ethical Montana gemstone miners
- Custom designs created in-house by award-winning master goldsmith Stephen Isley
- Manager Tess Tucker provides personalized service with six years of specialized experience
- We guarantee authenticity and provenance for all Montana-mined gemstones
What people say
Fantastic
Patient and helpful
Wonderful to work with
Informed decision
Beyond helpful
Services
Montana Sapphires
We specialize in ethically sourced Montana Sapphires from Rock Creek, Dry Cottonwood Creek, and the Missouri River. These naturally vibrant gemstones come in blue, yellow, green, and pink hues. Our collection includes both untreated stones and heat-treated options that enhance natural clarity while maintaining durability for everyday wear.
Custom Jewelry Design
Stephen Isley's custom designs combine minimalist aesthetics with Montana-inspired motifs like glacier water patterns and pine needle textures. Each piece is crafted in-house using recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones. Our process includes detailed consultations to create heirloom-quality jewelry that reflects personal stories and natural beauty.
Loose Gemstones
Our inventory features hand-selected loose Montana Sapphires in various cuts and colors, including rare Yogo Sapphires. Stones range from 0.92ct kite cuts to 2.04ct solitaires, with pricing options from $125 to $23,650. Each gemstone comes with documentation verifying its Montana origin and ethical sourcing practices.
Jewelry Sales
We offer a curated collection of sapphire and diamond jewelry including rings, necklaces, and earrings. Our inventory features both ready-to-purchase items and vendor-special-order options with customization possibilities. Every piece undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure it meets our standards for craftsmanship and durability.
Ethical Sourcing
All our Montana Sapphires come from environmentally conscious mining operations that minimize ecological impact. We maintain direct relationships with local miners to ensure fair labor practices and transparent supply chains. This commitment extends to our international gemstone suppliers, who must meet our strict ethical standards.
People
Stephen Isley
Founder & Master Goldsmith
Stephen began his jewelry career in Southern California before establishing Whitefish's premier sapphire destination in 1982. His designs reflect Montana's natural beauty through flowing lines and nature-inspired motifs. With over 40 years of experience, he remains a respected figure in American jewelry craftsmanship.
Cindy Just
Co-Owner & Jewelry Designer
Cindy transitioned from oil painting to metalsmithing, bringing artistic vision to Stephen Isley Jewelry. Her creative journey led to unique designs that complement Montana's landscapes. As co-owner, she established the store's signature style combining traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
Tess Tucker
Manager
Tess has managed daily operations for six years, maintaining the store's commitment to quality and personalized service. She worked directly with Stephen and Cindy to preserve their legacy while adapting to modern customer needs. Her expertise ensures consistent standards across all jewelry selections and consultations.
Questions
What makes Montana Sapphires unique?
Montana Sapphires from Rock Creek and the Missouri River feature natural colors ranging from blue to pink. Yogo Sapphires from Montana have exceptional clarity and vibrant blue hues rivaling Kashmir sapphires.
Can you create custom jewelry designs?
Stephen Isley designs custom pieces in-house using recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones. Our process includes detailed consultations to create personalized heirloom-quality jewelry reflecting your story.
Do you offer international shipping?
We ship USPS Priority Express with delivery times of 1-3 days after 1-3 days preparation. International shipping options available upon request through our trusted vendor network.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards for online purchases. Special order payments require consultation through our contact form to verify payment options and security.
Can you resize rings purchased elsewhere?
We don't perform repairs but can refer you to local jewelers for ring sizing. Most rings are adjustable up or down two sizes by qualified professionals.
Do you buy used jewelry?
We no longer purchase estate jewelry. Our focus remains on ethically sourced Montana Sapphires and custom creations. We offer appraisals only for items originally purchased from us.