I realize this is long: all you really need to know is that Big Sky Gold is a GEM. If you are…read morelooking for a unique piece, do yourself a favor right now and start browsing through the offerings on Claire Baiz's blog. Need more reasons to reach out? She's ethical and eco-friendly (makes use of lots of beautiful estate jewelry), a registered wholesaler (explains the pricing advantages you need to see to believe), and very sophisticated in terms of style (don't take it from me, she has been known to source stones for the best of the retail jewelers, and I do not mean Zales) Claire is an absolute joy to work with. She is welcoming and highly perceptive in person, and peppers her witty emails with jokes and frank advice (no surprise she moonlights as a novelist/essayist). In fact, dealing with her was such a pleasure, I'm pretty sure she's won our business for life. I caught my fiance emailing her a week or two ago about getting a pair of matching earrings (my ears aren't pierced, go figure!) New Yorkers -- she's a huge fan, and works out of the city for a few months every year! For my story, read on: A rather funny series of events left me wearing a $15.99 CZ engagement ring from overstock.com that was so outlandishly oversized that I would bruise the adjacent fingers if I ever tried to lift anything. But we wanted to do the real thing at some point, and an exploratory email was answered promptly with a surprising "you're in Manhattan, too?" and before long, I found myself face to face with Big Sky Gold's owner and founder, Claire Baiz, over lunch in downtown NYC. I had come across her blog online in the midst of doing preliminary research on yogo sapphires, exclusive to Montana and a specialty of Big Sky Gold's. I didn't really want a diamond ring, and I loved that the cornflower-colored gems came from out West. But I don't know much about yogos, or diamonds for that matter, and was thrilled to be able to talk to an expert on the sapphires... over here on the East Coast. Claire is vegan and gluten-free (and a walking advertisement for the benefits of the lifestyle) so we met up at Hale & Hearty. First she looked at my finger... and the fake. The setting was much too high, she told me, as she spread out informational materials and the "Sears Roebuck" catalog of settings (designed for wholesalers). I began gushing about yogos and my seething jealousy of everyone who lives within sight of the Rocky Mountains. She asked about my lifestyle, my family, my interests. Then we got to talking about budget. After two meetings and around 10 emails, we parted with her reassurance: "I have something in mind for you. I'll email you the details when I get back to Great Falls." Within days the ring of my dreams was assembled (in theory) from two yogos (taken from a pair of earrings) and an ideal cut diamond in a platinum setting, for a price you would not believe. We absolutely could not have found such a perfect ring (not to mention in such a short amount of time) without Claire. It's on my hand now and I (and who would have guessed, my fiance too) could not be happier or prouder? (Can we be proud? We feel proud...) From me and my fiance: a VERY big thank you, Claire!

For 23 years, this was my business. I'm humbled by he five-star rating, an unbiased endorsement…read morefrom great clients. I'm posting a Yelp review just to let everyone know the business is closed. I am not actively buying, selling, or evaluating fine jewelry. If you happen to be a former client, please "like" Big Sky Gold on Facebook--I'm posting important updates (a recent G.I.A. certificate scandal!) and tips (how to sell your fine jewelry) or follow me on HubPages, where my handle is 'baizblogger'.

Do not go here if you want a quality ring. My ring was rushed, settings were not evenly spaced and…read morewere crooked, the prongs holding the gems in were not rounded off, so they were catching on everything eventually causing a gem to fall out. When I had the ring resized, they loosened the sapphire in the middle so much so that another jeweler would not even clean it for me without fear of it falling out. The only good thing about them is that they are nice individuals.

I love this place. I have been coming here for all my jewelry for years. It is a mom and pop shop…read moreso you not find anything like it anywhere else. The owners are honest and kind. This is a place you dont have to worry about getting rushed into buying something you regret later or scammed into thinking you are getting quality jewelry when you are not. They are very knowledgeable about all kinds of jewelry and stones. I would highly recommend this place to everyone.

Hayden even was awesome. She hepled me when I dropped off the ring and helped me when I picked it…read moreup. The ring looks great

I received some pearl earrings as a gift. The earrings were beautiful, but a touch small. I…read moreworked with Michelle, across the miles from another state, to arrange an exchange for the same item with larger pearls. We sent an email or two, along with pics, and a phone call. The result was just what I was hoping for. I've never been in the store, so I can't speak to their selection, but for me, this was a win with really good customer service--always a plus. I haven't comparison shopped, so I can't speak as to price, but I'd guess it is comparable in price as to other jewelry stores.

Quick update to say I received the piece and have been wearing it daily for several months now. Its…read morejust beautiful. Paul did a fantastic job. If ever in Great Falls again, I'll be sure to return to Crown Jewelers. A very professional and pleasant experience from beginning to end. Thank you!

This place is a life saver! My husband and I purchased rings in Lahaina for our 20th wedding…read moreanniversary. My ring, I hate to admit fell off my finger during the night and it was stepped on and completely squished. We had intentions to take it back to the jeweler in Lahaina to fix but sadly the store is no longer there due to the fires. I took it to Kay, explained the sentimental value of the ring and asked if they could possibly fix it without damaging the writing. The staff took such great care of the ring. I expected with where the ring broke, there was a chance I wasn't able to get it back to the original state. Let me tell you, it's darn close! Honestly better, the added black around the wording is exactly like my husbands and I didn't have it originally. Thank you to the staff for this. It truly means the world.

Trying to figure out why the store is closed at 430pm local with no signs and no answer on their…read morephones. Corporate was called and they couldn't even tell me why and could not get a hold of their district manager team.

Fabulous experience every time I go! Teresa is knowledgeable and learning. The best kind of place…read moreto learn and get really awesome deals. Parking in the rear only. The entrance is a beautiful door to add to the magic as you walk into this little gem of a crystal shop. Beautiful selection and great value for your money. She takes multiple sources of payment including payment arrangements for the big beautiful cathedrals, windows, tables and more! I love this place!

From the owner: Crystal shop inside of Evergreen Nutrition that has variety of crystals, jewelry, and raw…read morespecimens.

Stopped in Great Falls overnight and ran across the Blue Rose, what a beautiful boutique. Tracey…read morehelped us and her clothing selection is Fantastic from AG to Mother Jeans and has endless selection of brands the store is definitely on par with any store in Bellevue Washington what a great find will definitely be travelling ext year to Montana and Yellowstone.Thank You Diane & Melissa M

My girlfriend, Jane raved about this oasis for 3 days....and she is fussy X100. She says it can…read morehold it's own with any 6th ave Seattle shop any day. danny mangold/seattle