After a ten-year absence, GemGuide has brought back its comprehensive pricing information for Montana sapphires. This updated resource now encompasses blue, teal (blue-green), and green varieties, with the potential for additional hues to be included in future updates. The new system categorizes prices into three distinct quality levels: good, fine, and extra fine, a departure from previous, more granular grading due to the relatively consistent pricing within the market for these particular gemstones. This initiative reflects GemGuide's ongoing commitment to providing valuable market insights to its subscribers, focusing on the most prevalent sapphire types and origins.
The newly unveiled charts, launched on January 1st through GemGuide's digital platforms and featured in the January/February 2026 print and digital editions, signify a crucial development for the gemstone industry. Unlike previous iterations, these charts forgo commercial categories, streamlining the pricing structure. A key limitation is the focus on sapphires weighing up to 2.99 carats, acknowledging that the majority of Montana sapphire material available in the market falls within this size range. The valuations are primarily derived from stones originating from the Missouri River and Rock Creek regions, which constitute the lion's share of the contemporary Montana sapphire supply.
Notably, the new pricing guidelines do not extend to Yogo Gulch sapphires. GemGuide explains that the sporadic production and limited availability of Yogo Gulch material over recent decades mean that these highly sought-after stones are typically priced individually, rather than conforming to standardized charts. This distinction highlights the unique market position of Yogo Gulch sapphires, which operate outside conventional pricing structures due to their rarity and specific characteristics. GemGuide's decision to reintroduce these pricing tools underscores the growing importance and demand for Montana sapphires within the broader gem market, providing essential guidance for buyers and sellers alike.
This reintroduction marks the first instance since 2014 that GemGuide has offered dedicated pricing for Montana sapphires. Access to these detailed pricing tables remains an exclusive benefit for subscribers, underscoring the proprietary nature of this valuable market intelligence. GemGuide continues to conduct extensive market research in this area, signaling a sustained effort to keep its subscribers abreast of developments and fluctuations within the Montana sapphire sector. This renewed focus is poised to enhance transparency and provide greater clarity for those involved in the trade of these distinctive American gemstones.