Missoula Jewelers – An Array Of Creativity

elk-ivory-belt-buckleJewelry has a lengthy and colorful history, spanning peoples and cultures since the dawn of human civilization, and beyond. From time immemorial forward, people have prized jewelry for its use as a functional tool, status symbol, religious token, and trade good.

Jewelry creation, like any art, has evolved and changed considerably since its genesis, but certain practices, themes, and ideas have endured the duration of its development as an art form. Over time, cultural diffusion has lead to an intriguing collision of traditional practices with new and exciting ones.

Missoula, MT has a refreshing and unique relationship with this type of jewelry. With influences that range from modern, multicultural designs, to those more directly influenced by the Native American populations of Montana and the surrounding states, you’re likely to find a plethora of unique options for jewelry in Missoula.

The Top Missoula Jewelry Stores

Honey Jewelers, one of the premier jewelry retailers in Missoula, has specialized in repairing and supplying custom jewelry to the community for over 30 years. They utilize advanced computer software along with your example pieces and ideas to design one-of-a-kind jewelry. In need of jewelry repair? Honey Jewelers also specializes in repairing jewelry that is seemingly unfixable–they have the experience and tools to get the job done. Other jewelry companies in Missoula include Kay Jewelers, Adair Jewelers, and Rogers and Co. Fine Jewelry and Design; with all these options, one is sure to find a piece that suits them, and if it can’t be immediately found, it can be designed.

Missoula has a rich history of street-vended jewelry and accessories as well. Since 1998, The Missoula People’s Market has been providing citizens of the city with an abundance of handcrafted, artisanal, and locally sourced products ranging from bracelets and rings to broaches and belt buckles, and everything in between. Its 80+ vendors congregate every Saturday morning and open their shops to the public from 9am to 1pm, offering and sharing their beautiful handmade pieces with the general public.

Saturday morning isn’t the only time to find locally made street-vended jewelry, however. Independent street vendors often set up shop downtown during summer days and offer their fare to pedestrians and passersby, who are encouraged to peruse their often vibrant and rare selections.

Montana Sapphires, Yogo Sapphires & Other Unique Gems

Montana’s unique and beautiful selection of gemstones, including Garnets and Montana Sapphires, provide jewelers with unique opportunities to create jewelry you won’t find anywhere else. Montana Sapphires–Yogo Sapphires if they’re found specifically in one of the many mines in Yogo Gulch, MT–are a prized and exquisite cornflower blue gemstone comprised of corundum. Their blue hue is derived from trace amounts of iron and titanium within the stone. These gems make for impeccable pieces fit for any occasion or loved one.

Unique Elk Ivory Jewelry Opportunities

Gemstones aren’t the only naturally-occurring component used to enhance Montana jewelry, however. Elk Tooth jewelry is growing in popularity and increasingly used in alluring and charming pieces in Missoula and elsewhere. Initially used in the jewelry of the Plains Indians, and often associated with endurance, bravery, and masculinity, Elk Tooth jewelry was traditionally representative of hunting prowess and gifted to females of the tribe for purposes of dress decoration and adornment. These days the usage hasn’t changed much, and Elk Tooth jewelry is prized for its sheen, charm, and durability; Elk Tooth ivory doesn’t deteriorate and will provide you with a lifetime of beauty.