Welcome to Betteridge Sapphires, where family values, a passion for gemstones, and a commitment to ethical practices come together to create stunning sapphire jewellery. Our journey is one of love, adventure, and a deep respect for the natural beauty of Australian sapphires. Join us as we share the story of Betteridge Sapphires and what makes our pieces truly unique.
A Family's Passion for Sapphires
Our journey began in 2012, when we—Matt and Amber Betteridge—first visited The Gemfields in Central Queensland. It was here, amidst the rich soils and vibrant landscape, that we discovered our love for Australian sapphires. The beauty and uniqueness of these gemstones captivated us, sparking a passion that would change our lives forever.
A Leap of Faith for a Better Life
At the time, we were working 9-5 jobs, and our son Riley spent most of his days in daycare. Yearning for a better quality of life and more family time, we made a bold decision: to move to the Central Queensland Gemfields and immerse ourselves in the world of sapphires. In 2018, we purchased a mining claim and spent as much time on the Gemfields as possible while still working full-time jobs and raising our family. In 2021, we took the plunge, moved to the Gemfields, and founded Betteridge Sapphires. This move was driven by our desire to combine our love for these gemstones with a lifestyle that allowed us to be together as a family. Since then, we have welcomed our baby daughter, Elise, now 1 year old.
Ethical Sourcing: Our Commitment to Integrity
At Betteridge Sapphires, we believe in responsible and ethical sourcing. We find our own sapphires and purchase other local sapphires, ensuring that all our gemstones are ethically sourced. By choosing Betteridge Sapphires, you are supporting sustainable practices and contributing to the well-being of mining communities. We take great pride in offering gemstones that are as ethical as they are beautiful.
Craftsmanship: Turning Raw Gemstones into Art
Once we find a facet-grade sapphire, Amber carefully facets the gemstones using the Hall 3 Faceting Machine she inherited from her grandfather. Faceting is a time-consuming artisanal craft that can take hours or even days to complete. Each gem is carefully assessed for inclusions and flaws, preformed to shape, and facets are cut and polished using multiple diamond grit laps. Some of our stones are also faceted by other reputable gem cutters, and we always disclose this in the stone descriptions.
Custom Creations: If You Can Dream It, We Can Create It
At Betteridge Sapphires, our bespoke rings and custom designs are crafted with 100% ethically sourced Australian metals, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and quality. Whether you're envisioning a unique engagement ring, a special gift for a loved one, or simply treating yourself, we work with you to bring your dream design to life. If you can dream it, we can create it.
With our Dream Space Collection, you can easily select one of our beautiful settings and personalise it with your perfect sapphire and choice of metal, making the experience of creating your dream piece both simple and exciting.
Our Earring Builder also offers a stunning selection of earring pairs and settings, perfect for adding a touch of beauty to any occasion.
A Lifestyle Rooted in Family Values
Our main drive to make this lifestyle move was to maximize family time and pursue something we love—fossicking. Working full-time meant that family fun times were few and far between. With this lifestyle, after school and weekends are reserved for family fun, exploring our beautiful country, and spending quality time together. Riley helps by having fun and finding insects (and some sapphires), making every day an adventure.
Why Choose Betteridge Sapphires?
We have pride in offering 100% Ethical Australian Sapphires and Jewellery. Choosing Betteridge Sapphires means choosing sapphires direct from the miner and Australian jewellery that is not only beautiful but also ethically sourced and expertly crafted. Our commitment to quality and ethics ensures that each piece is a testament to the natural beauty of Australian sapphires and the skill of our artisans. We take pride in offering a product that you can wear with confidence, knowing it was created with care and integrity.
In the Spotlight: Our Media Appearances
Since founding Betteridge Sapphires, we've been honoured to receive both national and international attention for our ethically sourced Australian sapphires. Our lifestyle and commitment to sustainable mining practices has been featured on 7 Sunrise, The Morning Show, ABC News Breakfast, and The Project, bringing the beauty of The Gemfields to a broad audience. Many of our viral stories have caught the eye of these outlets, helping us share our journey with gemstone lovers worldwide.
In addition to television, we've made numerous radio appearances and been featured in Take 5, Woman's Weekly, and countless online articles. Our sapphires have also captured the digital realm with multiple viral videos, showcasing our passion for Australian gemstones.
We're currently excited to be part of Gem Hunters Down Under, where we connect with fellow gemstone enthusiasts. Our seachange has inspired many like-minded individuals looking to embrace a similar lifestyle, and we’re thrilled to share our love for nature and the beauty of Australian sapphires.
Join Us on This Journey
We invite you to explore our collection and discover the magic of Australian sapphires. Whether you are looking for the perfect engagement ring, a meaningful gift, or a special addition to your jewellery collection, Betteridge Sapphires has something for everyone. Visit our website at www.betteridgesapphires.com.au to learn more about our products and services.Thank you for being a part of the Betteridge Sapphires family. Together, we can create beautiful memories and support ethical practices in the gemstone and jewellery industry.