https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15fX3M9JDz/

SEO Gems, Steubenville, OH (2026)

11/28/2025

Every gemstone enthusiast who collects gemstones comes into the situation where they have a stone that theyre unsure what it really is. Getting stones certified or identified can get expensive, especially if youve got a large collection. However, in this new SEO Gems series, we will discuss the tools necessary for in home identification and analysis. We will discuss the tools, how to use them, and examples on what to look for.

👁 In this episode, we will discuss the first step of the identification process: Visual Observation.

🛠 The in this step, you would need a Jewlers Loupe, Jewlery Tweezers, Gemstone Prong Holders, Display Tray, and Calipers [ only truly necessary if you plan on getting the stone set, but a useful tool nevertheless ].

🔍 Jewelers Loupe:

The Jewelers Loupe is a cheap but effective tool to have in your toolbox. When you first get a gemstone, you may have many questions: is this gemstone real, or specifically, what is it?

This tool allows you to get a 3x - 5x - or 10x magnified view of the stone. Depending on if the stone is faceted, polished, or raw, you will want to use the Loupe slightly different.

You will be looking at the fractures, if the stone is a conglomerate with a mineral included, if the stone has matrix on it, the way the light shines through the window and pavilion, or any other factor that would lead you to an identification.

Obviously, you would want to inspect it without the Loupe first, gathering its color, size, and specific features that would help you ask research questions online that would narrow down what you have.

🥢 Jewlers Tweezers / Prong Holder:

The tweezers will help you articulate the stone to get a better look and understanding of the stone. Prong holders typically has 4 prongs that can extend and be retracted to hold the stone in specific positions for observation.

📥 Display Tray:

Similar to Tweezers, these hold the stone instead of putting it on a table or surface which can lead to a lost stone.

📏 Calipers:

Understanding the stones dimensions is especially necessary if you plan on putting it in a setting. Other than that, knowing the size is just a fun addition to charting and cataloging your entire collection.

👋 Thats it for this segment, but look forward to future episodes of the ' At - Home Toolkit '!

👇 Comment below on how you use your tools!!!!

11/21/2025

After a long time away and demand for more content, we will start discussing and learning about common gemological tools for in - home stone analysis, and gemstones from A - Z!

If you have any requests on specific topics that you'd like to see within these mentioned series, or future series, let us know below!

09/30/2025

Now that the birthstone series is done, we will take a small detour and discuss standard tools needed for in-home gemstone identification!

Stay tooned for this new mini-series: DIY Gemologist!

09/25/2025

🎉 Welcome to another exclusive episode of the Birthstone Series!

In this episode, we're diving into the unique world of Yogo Gulch Sapphires, a gem truly in a league of its own.

💎 The Yogo Difference

Unlike most sapphires that are priced based on the "4 Cs," the value of Yogo Sapphires from Montana's Yogo Gulch is primarily determined by their exceptional rarity and naturally vivid color. They are famous for a pure, "cornflower blue" hue that requires no heat treatment to achieve, a characteristic that sets them apart from nearly all other sapphires on the market. This rarity is why their pricing structure is so distinct.

🤔 Unlike Traditional Montana Sapphires

While being sourced from the same general area in Montana, U.S.A, Yogo Gulch Sapphires are exclusively distinct from their close cousins. Montana Sapphires encompass a wide array of varying colored sapphires which do not retain the same consistent clarity or colored as Yogos. They tend to have a more pastel color, which makes Montana Sapphires less valuable than Yogos.

The values below do not pertain to Rock Creek, Dry Cottonwood Creek, or Missouri River Montana Sapphires. These Sapphires have much lesser of a value, which does make them a cheaper alternative, albeit not being as brilliant or rare.

💲 A Unique Pricing Model:

Where other sapphires typically see a significant price jump every half carat, Yogos double in value at every tenth of a carat. This unique pricing model reflects the extreme rarity of larger, high-quality stones.

Here are some general price ranges for faceted gems:

💲 Small Gems (0.10 ct - 0.20 ct)

Yogos start around $100 - $200 per stone at 0.10 ct, then to $200 - $400 per stone at 0.20 ct.

💲💲 Moderate Sized Gems (0.30 ct - 0.40 ct)

At 0.30 carats, you can expect to see prices around $600 - $800 per stone. For 0.40 carats, the value rises to $800 - $1,500 per stone.

💲💲 Exceptional Gems (0.50+ ct)

Crossing the half-carat mark is where Yogo prices truly take off. A 0.50 ct stone is valued at roughly $2,300 per stone, and any gem over this size can command a premium from $3,000 to $4,500 per stone or more, depending on the stone's quality and cut.

The price per carat for Yogo Sapphires is roughly $4,500 per carat. Although you will most likely never see a Yogo Sapphire above 1 carat in your life. For that reason, I am mentioned the prices per stone rather than carat.

✨ Source and Scarcity

Yogo Sapphires are exclusively mined from a single location, the Yogo Gulch in Montana. This limited supply, combined with their natural, vivid color and high clarity, makes them a prized gem for collectors and a true treasure of North America.

🫡 Big thank you to Montana Gem for helping us source market data for these extremely rare and valuable gemstones!

🔖 Montana Gem is the only wholesaler for Yogo Gulch Sapphires IN THE WORLD! Head over to montanagem.com to get yourself a new centerpiece for your collection today!

🎥 In this video below, is a 0.38 carat Yogo Gulch Sapphire in my personal collection

09/25/2025

🎉 Welcome to our final episode in the Birthstone Series: Sapphire!

For this episode, we will explore their Market Values and Prices.

💵 Market Values and Pricing:

The value of a sapphire is determined by several factors, including the traditional "4 Cs" (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight) and, crucially, its origin and whether it has been treated. While many sapphires are available at reasonable prices, exceptional stones can command prices comparable to, or even exceeding, diamonds.

🎨 Color:

This is the most important factor. The most valuable sapphires are a pure, saturated blue, often described as "cornflower blue" or "royal blue." Other highly prized sapphires are the rare pink-orange "Padparadscha" and vivid fancy colors like pink and yellow. Any brownish or gray overtones will decrease the value.

🔮 Clarity:

While some inclusions are acceptable, a high-quality sapphire should be eye-clean, meaning it has no inclusions visible without magnification. Highly transparent stones with few blemishes are the most desirable.

✂️ Cut:

A well-cut sapphire will maximize its color and brilliance. The cut should be proportional to the stone, with a good balance of facets to showcase its natural sparkle.

⚖️ Carat Weight:

Sapphire prices increase significantly with carat weight, especially for high-quality gems. Fine sapphires over 2 carats, and particularly those over 5 carats, are rare and command a significant premium.

⛏️ Origin & Treatment:

Kashmir sapphires are legendary and can be extremely valuable due to their velvety blue color. Similarly, sapphires from Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka often carry a premium. Most sapphires on the market today are heat-treated to improve their color and clarity, a standard and stable practice in the industry. However, un-treated sapphires with exceptional color and clarity are exceedingly rare and can be far more valuable than their treated counterparts.

🔖 General Price Ranges (per carat):

Sapphire prices vary widely based on the factors above, but here are some broad estimates for faceted gems.

💲 Commercial Quality (Dull Color, Treated):

Can range from $20 - $200 per carat.

💲💲 Mid-Range Quality (Good Color, Treated):

Typically ranges from $200 - $1,500 per carat.

💲💲💲 Fine Quality (Vivid Color, Eye-Clean, Prime Origin):

Can range from $1,500 - $10,000+ per carat.

💲💲💲💲 Exceptional Quality (Un-Treated, Vivid "Royal Blue," Large Size):

These can reach $10,000 to $20,000+ per carat, with unique, record-breaking gems far exceeding this price point.

🧠🙏 If you'd like to revisit any of the previous installments of this series, feel free to join SEO Gems Community Hub for all of our episodes and installments of previously covered birthstones. The link is in our bio.

➡️ Moving forward, next month we're covering what essential tools you need for DIY gemstone identification. Following this, we will cover more obscure stones, using the typical topics that we've been studying.

🖼 My personal collection of Tanzanian Orange Sapphire

09/17/2025

🎉 Welcome back to our ongoing series of Birthstones! This month, we're covering the beautiful birthstone of Sapphire!

For this episode, we'll explore the profound Metaphysical Properties of Sapphire.

✨ Metaphysical Properties of Sapphire:

Sapphire has been a symbol of wisdom, truth, and spiritual enlightenment for centuries. It is believed to bring order and healing to the mind, providing mental clarity, concentration, and a sense of calm. As a stone of royalty, it is said to attract abundance and a discerning sense of judgment.

💙 Blue Sapphire:

This is the most famous color of sapphire and is strongly associated with the throat and third eye chakras. It is believed to enhance communication, aid in self-expression, and open the mind to spiritual truth and intuition.
🖤 Black Sapphire:

A powerful protective stone, black sapphire is thought to provide a sense of groundedness and security. It is used to ward off negative energy and offer protection during spiritual work or travel.

🤍 White Sapphire:

White or clear sapphire is a stone of purity and spiritual focus. It is believed to aid in clearing the mind of distracting thoughts, helping one to focus on a clear path towards their goals.

💛 Yellow Sapphire:

This vibrant stone is associated with prosperity and intellectual wisdom. It is believed to attract wealth and abundance, while also stimulating the intellect and promoting creativity.

🧠🙏 If you're new here, we explore four topics every month on the month's respective birthstones! Follow us to stay tuned for future episodes and series!

09/09/2025

👋 Continuing our exclusive series on the second rarest sapphire in the world, we will talk about Yogo Gulch Sapphires!

For this episode, I had the privilege to speak with Mr. Gneiting and learn more about what he does as the owner of mining rights to the only Yogo Gulch Sapphire Mine in the world!

💎 History of the Yogo Gulch Sapphire 💎

In 1895, a gold prospector by the name of Jake Hoover was prospecting a gold mine in Central Montana. While doing so, he uncovered some small blue stones which intrigued him. He sent them to "Dr. George Kunz of Tiffany and Co. in New York for identification."

[Reference: https://www.montanagem.com/yogo-sapphire-mining/ ]

⛏️ History of the Yogo Gulch Mine ⛏️

After identification, it turned out that these stones were indeed Sapphires, but among the most brilliant of specimens examined by Dr. George Kunz. This sparked a complete industry change for Hoover. Instead of mining for gold, he began mining for Yogo Gulch Sapphires! Turns out, mining for these pristine sapphires proved to be more profitable than gold.
From 1896 until 1902, 400,000 carats of sapphires were mined with more than 25% being gem quality. This mine operated from 1896 to 1929.

💎 The Modern Day Yogo Gulch Mine 💎

In 1983, Randy Gneiting, owner of Montana Gem, started hand mining Yogo Gulch Sapphires. Randy is a GIA Gemologist with over 50 years of experience in the mining industry. This is a family-run and owned business, which utilizes ethical mining methods, primarily pick, sieve, and shovel, to extract these gorgeous stones. Within his career of mining, he has only uncovered approximately 10,000 carats of sapphires. This continues with between 100 - 200 carats a year! This makes these stones dramatically more rare than Diamonds, which yielded 120,000,000 carats in 2023 alone!

🎉If you're as fascinated by these gems as we are, you can learn more about their incredible story and see their current stock on the Montana Gem website at montanagem.com

🌟 Images below courtesy of Randy Gneiting.

🖼 The stone imaged is my most recent purchase from Montana Gem, a 0.39 carat deep blue Yogo Sapphire.

09/09/2025

🎉 Welcome back to the final series of Birthstones!

💎 This month, we're covering the beautiful birthstone of Sapphire! For this episode, we'll explore its rich History and Famous Mines.

📜 History of Sapphire:

For centuries, sapphire has been a gem of royalty, wisdom, and divine favor. Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on a giant sapphire, whose reflection colored the sky blue. It was a favorite of the clergy in the Middle Ages, symbolizing heavenly blessings and protection.

The association with royalty was cemented in recent history when Prince Charles gave a magnificent sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. Sapphires like the "Star of India" and the "Stuart Sapphire" are not just beautiful gems; they are artifacts of human history.

⛏️ Famous Mines and Origins:

Sapphire is found in many places around the world, but a few sources are legendary for producing the finest and most historically significant gems.

🇮🇳 Kashmir, India:

In the late 19th century, a landslide in the Himalayas uncovered a deposit of sapphires that would become the stuff of legend.

Kashmir sapphires are famous for their unique "velvety" blue color. Though the mines are now mostly depleted, these gems are still considered the world's finest and are exceptionally rare and valuable.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka (Ceylon):

Sri Lanka has been a source of sapphires for thousands of years, with a continuous history of mining. The island is known for producing a wide array of colors, including vibrant blues, pinks, and the highly prized Padparadscha sapphire. Many of the world’s most famous and largest sapphires, like the "Star of Adam," were found here.

🇲🇲 Myanmar (Burma):

Renowned for producing the world's most valuable rubies, Myanmar is also a major source of beautiful sapphires with intense, saturated colors that are highly sought after by collectors.

🇺🇸 Montana, USA:

The "Treasure State" is famous for its unique sapphires, first discovered by gold miners in the 1860s. Montana sapphires are known for their distinct "steely" blues, greens, and teals, often with no need for heat treatment.

🧠🙏 If you're new here, we explore four topics every month on the month's respective birthstones! Follow us to stay tuned for future episodes and series!

🖼 The image below is a 1.50 carat Blue Ceylon Sapphire! This stone includes natural inclusions and lacks in transparency, but to me, that gives it much more character. Part of my personal collection.

09/06/2025

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Mark Chamberlain, James Shields

09/03/2025

🎉 For a special, exclusive episode, we're taking a deep dive into one of America's rarest gems: the Yogo Gulch Sapphire!

💎 Physical Properties:

🪨💪 Hardness:

Yogos are true gems in every sense! They have an exceptional hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them incredibly durable and perfect for everyday wear.

🔮 Clarity:

What truly sets them apart is their remarkable natural clarity and brilliance. Unlike most sapphires from other locations, Yogos are known for their minimal inclusions and absence of color zoning, meaning they maintain a consistent, vibrant sparkle throughout the stone.

✨ Chemical Properties:

Like all sapphires, Yogos are a variety of the mineral corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide Al²O³.

Color:

But what gives them their unique and famous "cornflower blue" color? It's all thanks to a precise balance of trace elements. The presence of titanium and iron within the crystal structure is responsible for their stunning, signature hue. This unique chemical signature is what distinguishes them from sapphires found anywhere else in the world.

🔖 These beautiful Yogo Gulch sapphires are sourced directly from our trusted partner, Montana Gem.

We proudly offer GIA-certified Yogo sapphires to our customers, ensuring their quality and authenticity.

You can also support ethical sourcing directly by checking out our supplier! Montana Gem is a family-run company that hand-mines these beautiful stones, providing a direct - from - the - mine source for ethically sourced Yogos.

Stay tuned next week as we explore another reason why these special stones are so beloved!

09/03/2025

🎉 Welcome back to the final series of Birthstones!

💎 This month, we're covering the beautiful birthstone of Sapphire! For this episode, we'll explore its physical and chemical properties.

🧪As a variety of the mineral corundum, sapphire is renowned for its exceptional durability and beauty. It's chemical make up is Al²O³ [ Aluminum Oxide] and is only outranked in hardness by diamond and moissanite. Its robust composition and beautiful crystal structure make it one of the most popular and important gemstones in the world.

🌟 Key Properties 🌟

💪🪨 Hardness:

Sapphire scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it incredibly durable and scratch-resistant for daily wear.

🌈 Refractive Index (RI):

Sapphire has an RI range of 1.76 to 1.77. This property gives it its bright sparkle and is a key factor in gem identification.

🔄🌈Double Refraction (DR):

Sapphire is a doubly refractive (DR) gem, meaning that when light enters the stone, it splits into two separate rays.

⚖️ Specific Gravity (SG): The SG of sapphire is approximately 3.98 to 4.06. This means it is about four times denser than water, and a one-carat sapphire will be slightly smaller than a one-carat diamond.

🛀 Caring for Your Sapphire

Due to its hardness and stability, sapphire is one of the easiest gemstones to care for, but it's important to know the right method to preserve its beauty.

🧼 Warm, Soapy Water:

This is the safest and most effective method for cleaning sapphire jewelry. Use a soft brush (like a toothbrush 🪥) to gently scrub the stone and its setting.

🧖‍♀️ Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners:

These are generally safe for untreated, heat-treated, or lattice-diffusion-treated sapphires. Always consult a jeweler before using these methods, especially for delicate or antique pieces.

🧪🚫 Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

While stable, avoid strong chemicals. If a sapphire has a fracture filling or is dyed, use only a soft, damp cloth to clean it, as harsh cleaners could cause damage.

🧠🙏 If you're new here, we explore four topics every month on the month's respective birthstones!

Follow us to stay tuned for future episodes and series!

08/28/2025

🎉 Welcome back to our ongoing series of Birthstones! This month, we will be covering the four topics of Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel!

For this episode, we will explore the Market Values and Prices of Spinel.

💵 Market Values and Pricing:

Spinel's value is determined by the "4 Cs" (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight), but it has a unique advantage: it is almost never treated. This means the color you see is naturally occurring, making it a highly honest and sought-after gemstone. Spinel's intense colors, durability, and rarity in large sizes make it a valuable gem.

🎨 Color:

Color is the most important factor for spinel's value. The most valuable spinels are a vivid red, often called "Jedi" spinel, with a pure, electric glow. Highly saturated hot pink, cobalt-blue, and vibrant orange spinels also command premium prices. As with ruby, any brownish or yellowish overtones can significantly decrease the value.

🔮 Clarity:

High-quality spinel is typically eye-clean, meaning it has no visible inclusions. Spinel with good clarity and transparency will always be more valuable.

✂️ Cut:

A well-proportioned cut is essential to maximize spinel's high brilliance. Since it's often found in rough crystals, a skilled lapidary can create stunning facets that bring out the stone's fire.

⚖️ Carat Weight:

Large, high-quality spinels are very rare. The price per carat increases significantly for fine-quality stones over 2 carats, and especially over 5 carats, where they can become exceptionally valuable.

⛏️ Origin:

Origin plays a major role in the value of spinel. Mogok Valley, Myanmar (Burma), is the most famous source for the best reds and pinks. Other important sources include Vietnam and Tanzania, which produce highly prized, saturated colors.

🔖 General Price Ranges (per carat):
Spinel prices are highly dependent on color and origin, but here are some broad estimates for faceted gems.

💲 Commercial Quality (Dull Color, Minor Inclusions): Can range from $20 to $100 per carat.

💲💲 Mid-Range Quality (Good Color, Eye-Clean): Typically ranges from $100 to $700 per carat.

💲💲💲 Fine Quality (Vivid Color, Eye-Clean, Prime Origin): Can range from $700 to $3,000+ per carat.

💲💲💲💲 Exceptional Quality (Vivid Red "Jedi" or Cobalt Blue, Large Size): These can reach $5,000 to $10,000+ per carat, and sometimes much higher for very rare, record-breaking gems.

📜💡 Remember, the beautiful story of spinel’s mistaken identity with ruby reminds us that true beauty and value are often found where we least expect them.

🧠🙏 If you're new here, we explore four topics every month on the month's respective birthstones! Follow us to stay tuned for future episodes and series!

SEO Gems

11/28/2025

11/21/2025

09/30/2025

09/25/2025

09/25/2025

09/17/2025

09/09/2025

09/09/2025

09/06/2025

09/03/2025

09/03/2025

08/28/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category