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Sell With a Story: Famous Tanzanite

Famous Tanzanite Blog Header

By human standards, tanzanite is only 50 years old. By geological measure, it’s over 500 million years old. So yes, we were slow adopters — or maybe I should say, slow to pick up on it! Why should it matter? This gorgeous gem has a transparent blue to violet or violet-blue color. The more vibrant the color, the more it resembles sapphire. And because most tanzanite is less expensive than sapphire, it makes a beautiful substitute.

 

A Note On Famous Tanzanite

Discovered in 1967, Tanzanite is a modern gem. Except for the Harry Winston brooch that has a more classic approach, I selected styles that reflect Tanzanite’s modern ambiance.

 

Queen of Kilimanjaro Tiara

This royal gem is one of the largest faceted tanzanite weighing in at 242 carats. The famous tanzanite sits at the center of a sinuous pattern created using 803 tsavorite garnets and 913 diamonds. The tiara resembles a resplendent hooded king cobra. It belongs to Michael Scott’s collection. A nuclear physicist by training, he served as Apple’s first CEO from 1977 to 1981. Following his departure from Apple (resulting from a clash with Steve Jobs) in 1981, he researched gemstones and has created a major collection.

Famous Tanzanite Queen of Kilimanjaro Tiara
Queen of Kilimanjaro Tiara • Source

Petersen Tanzanite Brooch

Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic which makes it appear an intense blue, violet, or even red depending on the viewing direction. Pleochroism plays a key role when a cutter orients a stone. This magnificent matched tanzanite pair weighs 30 carats, their modified triangular cut having the much desired intense sapphire-blue with violet tones. Designed by Harry Winston, Inc. in 1991, the floral platinum brooch has almost 24 carats of marquise, pear and baguette cut diamonds. Ingeniously, the famous tanzanite “flowers” can be detached and worn as earrings.

Famous Tanzanite Petersen Tanzanite Brooch
Petersen Tanzanite Brooch • Source

 

Kat Florence 423.56 carat Tanzanite Necklace

Designer Kat Florence is known for sourcing rare stones of exceptional quality to feature in her modern designs. This extraordinary tanzanite and diamond necklace offers a prime example. Who owns it? Who knows? Sarah Jessica Parker collaborated with Kat on some designs and wore this necklace in a number of ads. It’s definitely a keeper.

Famous Tanzanite Florence Tanzanite Necklace
Kat Florence Tanzanite Necklace • Source

 

Rodney Rayner “Sea Urchin” Ring

Rayner is a British couture jewelry designer well known for his use of color. This ring features tanzanite and diamonds in 18K pink gold. He cuts each center stone specifically for the design. A Baselworld exhibitor, his 33 years in the business have earned him a dedicated following from entertainment and industry.

Famous Tanzanite Rodney Rayner Sea Urchin Ring
Rodney Rayner “Sea Urchin” Ring • Source

 

Chopard’s “Belle” Necklace With 69-Carat Tanzanite Center

Swiss design house, Chopard, created this filigreed lace collar necklace. The ravishing shades of blue and pink are fancy sapphires flow together to create a piece for the ages. And in case you’re wondering, it was designed for Disney’s Belle, of “Beauty and the Beast” fame.

Famous Tanzanite Disney Chopard Belle Necklace
Chopard’s “Belle” Necklace • Source

 

Creating With Tanzanite?

We can meet your design needs with Black Box Tanzanite and calibrated tanzanite. Our selection includes a wide array of shapes and sizes. Should a customer request a unique shape or cut, trust our Special Order Services will source it for you through our extensive global network. For matched pairs, our Matching Service makes it simple and provides the closest match. These complimentary services make your life easier.

Shop Tanzanite on Stuller.com


Don’t stop reading! Find more about tanzanite and its rich history here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Raffel

I've been with Stuller since 2013 • Primarily read books on physics and other sciences • Was blown away by 'Breaking Bad' • I believe no woman can have too many boots or too much jewelry • Been writing professionally longer than I care to admit • Studied tailoring after college.