Gemstones Mined in America

At our small, woman-owned jewelry store, llyn strong fine art jewelry located in Midtown Greenville, SC, we’re passionate about celebrating beauty that’s not only timeless but also close to home. That’s why we love working with gemstones mined right here in the United States. From the vibrant turquoise of the Southwest to the dazzling sapphires of Montana, and wonderfully unique sunstones from Idaho, American-mined stones carry rich histories, local character, and a unique connection to our land. In this blog, we’ll explore these homegrown treasures – where they come from, what makes them special, and how we thoughtfully incorporate them into our handcrafted jewelry. From original design to finished pieces of wearable art, we create lasting heirlooms in our store at 1322 E. Washington St. Greenville, SC, giving you a truly unique piece of jewelry that is “All American.”

llyn strong fine art jewelry is located in Greenville, SC, and specializes in creating custom-made fine art jewelry. Browse our online inventory of fine art jewelry. Contact us today at 864-233-5900 or visit our storefront at 1322 E Washington St Suite C1, Greenville, SC 29607. Let us help you reimagine, re-think and re-invent your jewelry collection!

1 – Turquoise

America’s southwest is renowned for its rich deposits of turquoise, a gemstone deeply rooted in the region’s culture and artistic traditions. Among the most prized and some of our favorite varieties are Kingman, Bisbee, and Carico Lake turquoise – each with its own district character. Kingman turquoise, mined in Arizona, is celebrated for its vibrant sky-blue color and classic black or brown matrix, making it one of the most recognized and collectible types. Bisbee turquoise, now quite rare, hails from the “Lavender Pit” in Bisbee, Arizona, and is famous for its deep blue hues often accentuated by a chocolate brown matrix. Carico Lake turquoise, mined in Nevada, stands out with its vivid green tones and golden to dark brown matrix, offering a unique and earthly palette. These American treasures continue to inspire us at llyn strong fine art jewelry as well as our collectors and clients alike with their beauty and individuality.

2 – Montana Sapphires

Montana sapphires are a favorite of everyone at llyn strong fine art jewelry in Greenville, SC and are one of America’s most beloved and naturally beautiful gemstones, cherished for their range of colors, unique history, and ethical sourcing. Mined primarily in the western part of the state – especially around the Rock Creek, Missouri River, and Yogo Gulch regions – these sapphires are known for their stunning color variations, including vibrant cornflower blue, teal or soft greens, yellows, and even rare pinks and purples. At llyn strong, we even have multicolored stones that we refer to as “Parti Sapphires.” Yogo sapphires are famous for their vivid, naturally occurring blue that requires no heat treatment. Montana sapphires are admired not only for their beauty but also for their traceable origin and minimal environmental impact, making them a favorite among designers and collectors who value sustainability. Their uniqueness and authenticity will certainly add a deep personal touch to your fine jewelry collection, making each stone a little piece of the American landscape.

3 – Sunstone

Idaho sunstone, a captivating gem mined primarily in the high desert of southeastern Idaho, is a uniquely American treasure known for its warm, radiant beauty. This naturally occurring feldspar shimmers with colors ranging from golden champagne and soft peach to deep red and even green, often with a dazzling metallic flash caused by copper inclusions – a phenomenon known as aventurescence. Sunstone’s remarkable ability to transmit and reflect light gives it a glowing, almost inner-fire quality that sets it apart from other gemstones. Mined responsibly in rugged, remote areas, Idaho sunstone carries with it the wild spirit of the land, making it both a striking and meaningful choice for your one-of-a-kind custom-made jewelry at llyn strong in Greenville.