Akoya pearls are the proper term for Japanese saltwater cultured pearls, which were the very first pearls to be grown inside Akoya oysters using a process involving human interference and skill. Kōkichi Mikimoto was the first entrepreneur to commercialize this process, which was patented in 1916 by his son-in-law. The process involves the precise, surgical placement of an irritant inside the soft tissue of the oyster, which as part of a natural process, ends up secreting calcium carbonate and conchiolin to cover the irritant. Layers and layers later, a few of these oysters produce an amazing, lustrous Akoya pearl. Depending on the size of the oyster, they grow from 3-10mm. The grading and valuing of pearls is a more complex process than doing the same for diamonds.

Little known tidbit: the heart of the vast majority of saltwater pearls is a small sphere of mollusk shell, or “mother of pearl,” taken from mussels that come from the Mississippi River. No matter how far away the pearls are cultured, most are "made in the US" at their core.

Amethyst, the February birthstone, is associated with spirituality, wisdom, sobriety, and security. Said to encourage calmness, bravery, and contemplation, amethyst is the gemstone gifted on the 4th, 6th, and 17th wedding anniversaries. Its name comes from the Greek word ametistos which means not drunk. (According to legend, amethyst was created from the tears of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine--hence its association with curing or preventing hangovers!) The world's most popular colored gemstone, amethyst is the most valuable member of the quartz family and is highly regarded for both its beauty and affordability. A 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, amethyst is fairly durable and well suited for fashion rings, earrings and other jewelry.

Its color is derived from aluminum impurities and ranges from deep purple to pale lavender. Deeper hues are more valuable and a deep regal purple color with pink and cherry highlights is considered to be the most valuable. Known as the stone of spirituality and contentment, amethyst is revered as the jewel of the gods and thought to help heal grief and personal losses.

A prized gem for centuries, it was once worn by Leonardo Da Vinci to defend against evil and increase intelligence. Amethyst is also included in religious and royal jewelry collections all over the world from ancient Egypt to the British Crown Jewels. Believed to enhance spirituality and intuition while helping to dissipate evil thoughts, amethyst is often used by crystal healers to bring stability and inner strength. In Feng Shui, amethyst enhances the wealth corner focusing on giving and receiving material wealth. It is a good stone to solve discord and makes a beautiful gift. Amethyst crystals are found throughout the world, including the United States. We are happy to source the perfect amethyst for your custom piece or provide more details on existing jewelry and gemstones in our collection. 

Aquamarine is the March birthstone and the wedding anniversary gemstone for the 19th year. Aquamarine is believed to reawaken love, kindle friendships, and elevate the spirit. The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words for water and sea. It is thus known as the gem of the sea. Its tropical ocean blue tones effortlessly invoke images of landless skies and the waters below.

Believed to be the treasure of mermaids, it's often worn by sailors and travelers as a talisman to protect against being shipwrecked and to ward off sea sickness. Most of the world's supply of quality Aquamarine can be found in Brazil, but some of the finest quality Aquamarines in the United States can be found in Colorado. The state of Colorado recognized aquamarine as their official gemstone in 1971.

Wearing aquamarine is said to bring hope, happiness, health, and harmony to oneself. Considered a strong gemstone it's sought after because of all the vast ways it can be used in jewelry. It is also said that if you leave it in water overnight it will become a harder, stronger gemstone that will withstand daily wear and tear better than most keeping its luster, dazzling color, and shine.

Thanks to its brilliant color and durability, many couples are choosing aquamarine as the center stone for engagement rings. It is a long-lasting statement piece that will surely be a conversation starter. Call us to inquire about creating your custom piece of aquamarine jewelry, for sizing and details on existing pieces or visit our store in Bozeman, Montana and see our aquamarine collection in person.

Discover the Brilliance and Meaning of Topaz Jewelry

From tranquil Sky Blue Topaz to the rich hues of Swiss Blue Topaz and the inky depths of London Blue Topaz, this luminous gemstone captures every shade of serenity and devotion. Whether adorning a ring, necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, topaz jewelry reflects light—and love—with stunning clarity. 

While most modern blue topaz is carefully enhanced through heat and irradiation to bring out its radiant color, its symbolism has remained constant for centuries. Long regarded as a stone of clarity, communication, and trust, topaz encourages calm and connection—qualities that make it an enduring favorite in fine jewelry design. Fittingly, it is the anniversary gem for the 4th wedding anniversary.

At Alara Jewelry, you’ll find an exceptional selection of handcrafted topaz jewelry created by award-winning artisans including Stephen Estelle, Toby Pomeroy, Lori Gadola, and Michael Jensen Designs. Each piece is designed with responsibly sourced gemstones and recycled precious metals—proof that sustainability and beauty can shine together.

Looking for something one-of-a-kind? Collaborate with our in-house artisans to create a custom topaz jewelry design that perfectly matches your style and story. From statement cocktail rings to delicate pendants, Alara’s experts will help you design a timeless treasure that’s uniquely yours.

Explore ethically sourced topaz jewelry that celebrates craftsmanship, color, and conscience—available exclusively from Alara Jewelry in Bozeman, Montana.

At Alara Jewelry, our collection of citrine jewelry celebrates the beauty and vibrancy of this dazzling gemstone, known as the November birthstone. With hues ranging from pale gold to rich amber, citrine reflects the warmth and energy of sunlight, making it a sought-after stone for both everyday wear and special occasions. Whether you're marking a personal milestone, shopping for a meaningful gift, or simply adding a pop of color to your jewelry collection, citrine is a lovely choice. 

Citrine is a member of the quartz family, revered not only for its captivating beauty but also for its affordability, making it ideal for all types of jewelry, including citrine rings, citrine earrings, citrine necklaces, and citrine bracelets. Its golden tones complement both silver and gold settings, offering versatility that suits a variety of styles. 

As the birthstone for November, citrine jewelry is a perfect gift for November babies, and holds special significance for those born under the zodiac signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius. Gifting citrine jewelry is a thoughtful way to honor a loved one’s birthday or celebrate a life event. With its cheerful color and symbolic meaning, it’s no wonder citrine is a favorite choice for gifts that convey warmth and joy.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, citrine has long been associated with positive energy and abundance. Often referred to as the "Merchant’s Stone" or "Success Stone," citrine is believed to attract prosperity and good fortune. It is also thought to encourage self-confidence, clarity, and emotional balance. Wearing citrine jewelry not only adds a touch of elegance to your look but can also serve as a personal talisman for optimism and success.

Coral has a complicated relationship with the jewelry world, and we're not going to pretend otherwise. As a team of people who actually care about the ocean (our founder included, who has logged more hours underwater than we can count!) we take our coral sourcing seriously. Every piece in this collection is made with antique, vintage, fossil, or sustainably reclaimed coral. No reef was harmed. No shortcuts were taken.

What you get in return is something genuinely worth the investment: coral's warm spectrum of blush, peach, and deep persimmon, set by independent artisans who understand that a material this storied deserves craftsmanship to match. From delicate branch forms to polished cabochons, these are pieces with a past — and a conscience.

Explore the collection and find your piece of the ocean. The ethical kind.

This collection shows a curated selection of sparkling treasures where each piece captures the timeless allure of diamonds in its own unique way. In this collection, you’ll discover three distinct styles: pieces centered around a stunning center diamond, others featuring a delicate series of smaller diamonds, and those where diamond accents add a hint of sophistication to a broader design. Whether it’s the boldness of a single, brilliant gem or the soft shimmer of diamonds nestled into intricate patterns, each creation is designed to captivate.

At Alara, we believe that beauty should shine from the inside out. That’s why our diamonds are ethically sourced, with a focus on responsible practices that honor both the environment and the communities involved in bringing these gems to life. Each stone in this collection has been chosen with care and respect for nature’s gifts, ensuring that the sparkle you wear has a story you can feel good about. Our thirty-plus year commitment to ethical sourcing means that you can embrace these pieces with confidence, knowing they reflect Alara’s dedication to integrity and transparency.

This collection isn’t just about adding diamonds to your look; it’s about celebrating life’s most meaningful moments with pieces that resonate on a deeper level. Whether it’s a gift for someone special or a treat for yourself, this collection offers options that feel both luxurious and personal. So go ahead—immerse yourself in the magic of diamonds, ethically sourced and thoughtfully designed to be cherished for a lifetime.

Emerald, is the traditional birthstone for May, as well as a sentimental token of love when celebrating 20 years or 55 years of marriage. A variety of the mineral beryl, emerald's color consists of brilliant deep hues of green making it one of the most sought-after gemstones on the market, and throughout history. Originally discovered by the Spanish in South America in the 16th-century, emeralds have since been very coveted ever since. Their stunning color and luster made emeralds a favorite gem of queen Cleopatra, who reportedly adorned herself with the bewitching green gemstones on a regular basis.

Besides their beauty, according to ancient folklore emeralds were believed to help one see into the future if you placed one under your tongue. They were also considered a healing agent where the wealthy would crush and boil emeralds and mix the resulting mixture with a lotion to cure cuts and other skin ailments. The soft calming color of green is still believed to relax and relieve eye strain--and a fine specimen of emerald is found at the workstation of most diamond cutters, to this day, as a result.

Garnet Jewelry: More Than Just Red

If you think garnet only comes in deep red, prepare to have your mind delightfully blown. Garnets actually occur in every color of the rainbow—from fiery oranges and lush greens to rare violets and pinks—plus multiple shades of that signature crimson everyone knows and loves.

Our curated Garnet Jewelry collection showcases these natural color chameleons in artisan-crafted rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Each piece is made with ethically sourced gems and set in recycled precious metals, blending vibrant design with responsible craftsmanship.

Whether you’re drawn to the romantic warmth of pyrope red, the golden glow of spessartine, or the green brilliance of tsavorite, these small-batch creations bring color, meaning, and a touch of geological magic to your jewelry wardrobe.

Explore the world of garnets—and discover which hue feels like you.

Agate, the zodiac stone for Taurus and Gemini, is a stone for the ages. Agate is a naturally multicolored, banded, translucent form of finely-grained microcrystalline quartz. The material is celebrated for its beauty and is found mostly in volcanic rocks or ancient lavas.

Agate is also a gem that is gifted on the 12th and 14th wedding anniversaries. Believed to help the wearer discern truth and accept circumstances, agate features beautiful color patterns. With unlimited distinctive styles, Montana agate jewelry is truly a sight to behold.

The fine and sharp banding patterns combined with strong natural coloring are unmatched. Truly, these pieces carry distinction that sets them apart from other jewelry today. Agates tend to show their location of origin in their banding style and color. This makes them prime for the discerning eye in the jewelry trade.

A symbol of confidence and security, agate, a stone of many layers is both grounding and balancing. Considered a stone of strength, agate is thought to enhance creativity and strengthen the intellect. Found across different locations throughout the world, agate is truly special. It has long been used for royal seals and special rings with symbolic carvings.

Call or message the ladies of Alara to create your own custom piece of agate jewelry. We can also help you learn more about our in-stock loose agates and agate jewelry that aren't currently showing on the website. If your travels bring you to beautiful downtown Bozeman, we invite you in. Please visit our jewelry gallery to see these beauties for yourself.

REGIONAL MONTANA AGATE JEWELRY

Celebrating our region’s jewelry tradition, our Montana moss agate collection is a thing of beauty. Each piece, from our distinctive banded agate necklaces to Montana agate rings, carries a distinctive charm you simply can’t find elsewhere.

At Alara Jewelry, we deal in only finely crafted settings and one-of-a-kind designs. Each piece, regardless of style or stone, is sure to bring balance to your look and elevate your aesthetic.

A CELESTIAL CELEBRATION OF THE ZODIAC

Pure and fine jewelry connects us to that which surrounds us. Jewelry, when carefully selected, can be a means to mindfulness.

As the birth-stone for the Taurus zodiac and Gemini zodiac signs, some believe agate holds a certain power.

Gemini wearers believe they can rely on a Montana agate ring or necklace to beautifully present their gorgeous birthstone. Taurus wearers, on the other hand, will similarly find representation in their Montana agate.

Fall in love with zodiac stones for Gemini and Taurus when you browse our Montana moss agate jewelry.

MORE TO DISCOVER

Beyond zodiac stones for Gemini and stones for the Taurus zodiac, we can help you add to your look. Alara offers countless pieces to cherish, love, and complete your rare stone journey.

Pair your beautiful Montana agate jewelry with other keepsake pieces your family can enjoy for generations. We carry ethically sourced Montana sapphires and other interesting gemstones and earth-toned gems. Each is set into artisanally handcrafted pieces, from earrings to wedding bands, that offer a distinctive look and a piece you’re sure to cherish.

Visit our jewelry store in Bozeman to let us help you find the perfect piece.

Discover the Ethical Beauty of Montana Sapphires

Montana sapphires are more than just gemstones; they’re a testament to ethical sourcing and responsible luxury. Mined in the western part of the Big Sky State, these fair-trade gems are celebrated for their traceable origins and conflict-free supply chain. The official gemstone of Montana, Montana sapphires embody the values of sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Colors as Unique as Nature

Beyond the classic blue, Montana sapphires dazzle in a variety of hues, including green, lavender, purple, yellow, and pink. Each stone is a natural masterpiece, offering a spectrum of colors to suit many styles and occasions.

Durable and Timeless

Ranked 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, Montana sapphires are as enduring as they are beautiful. Their exceptional hardness makes them perfect for everyday wear, ensuring your jewelry remains a cherished heirloom for generations.

A Commitment to Conscious Luxury

Our Montana Sapphire Collection reflects a dedication to ethical practices and quality craftsmanship. These gemstones are mined and processed with care, aligning with values of environmental stewardship and humane labor. Perfect for those seeking meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry, each piece tells a story of integrity and beauty.

Explore the Collection

Discover engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and more—all crafted to highlight the brilliance and unique hues of Montana sapphires.

Sapphires are found mostly in the Western part of the Big Sky State, and are the official gemstone of the state of Montana. Once thrown away by gold miners in the gold rush days, loose sapphires are now America's most valuable gemstone. Sapphires are considered to be the stone of wisdom and thought to bring serenity, peace of mind and concentration. They are believed to protect a holder from evil, sickness, and worse.

Made of the mineral corundum, sapphires are a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes them extremely durable and long-lasting. It also ensures loose Montana sapphires are incredibly scratch resistant.

Montana sapphires are 100% genuine sapphires.
no asterisks, no qualifiers.

First discovered by miners in the 1860s, the pretty, colorful pebbles were largely ignored. That is, until the 1890s when London gem merchants began to take an interest in them. Sapphires, and blue sapphires specifically, quickly rose in popularity from there.

But not all sapphires are created equal. Montana sapphires are highly regarded as ethically sourced gems with an easily traceable supply chain. Our selection of loose sapphires is naturally fair trade and conflict-free guarantee.

We celebrate Montana’s sapphire tradition with our broad and beautiful collection. When you buy loose sapphires from Alara, you participate in that tradition.

Appreciated for their beautiful coloring and lustrous appearance, Montana Sapphires can be found in a variety of colors. This includes green, blue, lavender, purple, yellow, and pink. Truly, loose Montana sapphires are a versatile centerpiece gemstone in engagement rings, earrings, and pendants. They also stand alone as a bold expression of natural, American-made beauty.

As a socially conscious American-made gem, it doesn’t get much better than Montana sapphires in loose stones. They are increasingly becoming the go-to gemstone choice of the fashion conscious. This includes everyone from gem enthusiasts to savvy millennials seeking to buy local with an earth-friendly footprint.

Want to see some of our collection of the legendary Yogo Sapphire? Visit here.

Loose Montana Sapphires for Sale

As you can imagine, Alara Jewelry, based here in Bozeman, Montana, specializes in loose Montana sapphires for sale. Our selection is truly boundless, with Montana sapphire loose stones for every kind of need and aesthetic.

Our selection is vast, including many popular and fashion forward sapphire styles, including:

• Blue color sapphires
• Pink sapphires
• Green sapphires
• Yellow sapphires
• White sapphires
• And plenty more

Whether you prefer simple and understated or ostentatious, we have the stones for you. We carry a variety of cuts and colors that are perfect in earrings, wedding bands, and more. Discover options including round cuts, cushion, emerald, and more that are perfect for a sapphire ring.

Master Jeweler Quality

Trust Alara Jewelry when it comes to perfect Montana sapphires, loose or otherwise. Our master jewelers and gemologists bring heaps of sapphire expertise. When it comes to sourcing, selecting, and finishing, only Alara has the most unique and best loose Montana sapphires for sale.

Whether you prefer a loose stone or want to place one in a jewelry piece, we can offer our expertise. We’re also able to help you consider the color, shape, and size of the pieces we have available.

Buy Loose Sapphires from Alara

Your hunger for a sapphire stone has brought you here. If you want the finest sapphire jewelry available, you’ve made the right choice in considering Alara. Now comes the hard part: deciding which of our countless natural sapphires is right for you.

While we showcase a selection online, our gallery is home to hundreds more loose Montana sapphires, each with its own unique color, brilliance, and character -- offering endless possibilities for the perfect stone. Shop our loose Montana sapphires today!

Moonstone is the preferred June birthstone over pearl and alexandrite. It can be found in many places across the globe but the largest exporter of the gem is currently Sri Lanka. Other popular exporters include Australia and India. Florida actually adopted the moonstone as its official state gemstone in 1970 to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing and other spaceflights that launched from Florida—even though moonstone is not naturally found in Florida or on the moon.

The history of moonstone goes all the way back to the ancient Roman Empire. Its use as a talisman was strongly tied to the worship of Diana, the moon goddess. They believed that the stone itself would dim and brighten with the waning and waxing of the moon. It was even named by the Roman natural historian, Pliny, who wrote that the white and blue shifting of colors were reminiscent of the phases of the moon. (This effect is actually due to the two types of feldspar that make this stone, orthoclase and albite. The minerals grow together in alternating layers, and a phenomenon named adularescence happens whenever light hits it.) Due to Roman influence, the moonstone is still a popular gift between romantic partners for its reputation as the "lover's stone". There is a myth that says on the night of a full moon, two people wearing moonstones will meet and fall into a deep and passionate love affair. Very saucy stuff.

Through the years the gem fell out of the limelight, until the Art Nouveau period (1890-1910).  Popular French designers began incorporating the moonstone into their pieces and it influenced jewelers all throughout Europe, even hopping across the pond to make an appearance in the US!

While the stone is beautiful, it is delicate. It has a hardness level of 6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale so, unfortunately, it is more susceptible to chipping and cleaving than, say, a diamond or a sapphire. But that doesn't mean it isn't wearable, it just means you want to stick with a more protective setting, like a bezel setting, especially for a ring. Make sure you are taking it off before doing any activities that could cause it to get scratched or banged and keep your setting well-maintained. Also, moonstones cannot take heat, so don't take it for a dip in the hot springs, and advise any jeweler doing repair work on it to use a laser welder. With the right care, your lovely moonstone jewelry should stay safe and sound!

Explore the Enigmatic Beauty of Onyx

Welcome to Alara’s Onyx Collection, where the timeless appeal of deep black meets a rich history and profound symbolism. Known as an alternative birthstone for February, onyx is a captivating choice for those seeking a unique expression of their personal style.

True onyx, a naturally striped material, holds its own special allure. However, in today’s world—even within the jewelry industry—the term “onyx” or “black onyx” is often used to describe dyed black chalcedony. At Alara, our Onyx Collection primarily features this striking variety of chalcedony, celebrated for its deep, velvety black hue that complements both modern and classic designs.

Beyond its visual appeal, onyx has long been revered for its metaphysical properties. It is believed to provide strength, promote self-control, and absorb and transform negative energy. As a stone of protection and grounding, onyx is said to foster resilience and clarity, making it not just a beautiful adornment but also a meaningful one.

Whether you’re drawn to its sleek sophistication or its symbolic significance, the onyx pieces in our collection offer something truly special for every jewelry lover. Discover your next favorite treasure in Alara’s Onyx Collection today!

The history of Peridot stretches back to Ancient Egypt, on the volcanic island of Zebargad in the Red Sea. Peridot was so treasured by the Ancient Egyptians that they kept the island’s location a secret. With the fall of the Egyptian empire, the island became lost to antiquity, and was only rediscovered in 1906. Since that time, Zebargad’s Peridot deposits have been exhausted. Peridot still remains the National gem of Egypt. Ancient Egyptians knew it as "the gem of the sun" but Peridot is actually named after the French word peritot, meaning gold, because the mineral can vary towards this color. For years it was believed that Cleopatra's famous gemstones were Emeralds, but now historians are becoming more and more convinced that they were Peridot.

Throughout history, there have been many legends that state the strong magical power that peridot possesses. Legend says that if the gem is set in gold, it will develop its full potential as a talisman and will have the power to dispel nightmares and fear.

Peridot is a relatively soft stone, rating 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. So if you want a ring it's better to stick with a more protective setting, like a bezel setting. Make sure you are taking it off before doing any activities that could cause it to get scratched or banged and keep your setting well-maintained. Also, these stones cannot take heat, so don't take it for a dip in the hot springs, and advise any jeweler doing repair work on it to use a laser welder. With the right care, your lovely Peridot jewelry should stay safe and sound!