THE QUEEN OF KILIMANJARO
World's Largest Tanzanite
The world's largest faceted tanzanite is 737.81 carats. One of the most famous large tanzanites (242 carats) is the "Queen of Kilimanjaro". It is set in a tiara and accented with 803 brilliant cut tsavorite garnets and 913 brilliant cut diamonds. The piece is part of the private collection of Michael Scott, the first CEO of Apple Computers.[10]Tanzanite is the blue/purple variety of the mineral zoisite (a calcium aluminium hydroxy silicate) discovered in the Mererani Hills of Manyara Region in Northern Tanzania in 1967, near the city of Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro. It is used as a gemstone. Tanzanite is noted for its remarkably strong trichroism, appearing alternately sapphire blue, violet and burgundy depending on crystal orientation.[1] Tanzanite can also appear differently when viewed under alternate lighting conditions. The blues appear more evident when subjected to fluorescent light and the violet hues can be seen readily when viewed under incandescent illumination. Tanzanite in its rough state is usually a reddish brown color. It requires artificial heat treatment to 600 °C in a gemological oven to bring out the blue violet of the stone.[2] Tanzanite is a rare gem.[3][4] It is found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mineral was named by Tiffany & Co. after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered. Because it is relatively soft, tanzanite is most commonly set in necklaces and earrings.
TIFFANY'S 175TH ANNIVERSARY TANZANITE JEWELS FOR DECEMBER
By Erika Winters
This year Tiffany & Co. celebrates its 175th anniversary with new collections showcasing rare, colored gemstones that pay tribute to the company's history. Included in Tiffany's Jewels of a Magnificent Legacycollections are statement pieces featuring tanzanite, one of December's birthstones and a gem variety named by Tiffany.
The unique blue-violet colored gems were originally discovered in 1967 by a Masai tribesman in Tanzania's Merelani area near Mount Kilimanjaro. Originally thought to be sapphires, the gems fascinated a prospector who registered claims in the area to unearth more of the vividly colored crystals. As interest grew in this new gem, a transparent blue variety of the species zoisite, top gemologists flocked to the area. And in 1968, the gem had a new name courtesy of Tiffany: "tanzanite."
By introducing tanzanite to the market, Tiffany & Co. promoted the gem's captivating color and allure. The finest tanzanites are an intense blue or violetish-blue, and Tiffany's 175th anniversary jewels showcase them in custom creations.
“The story of how these gemstones were discovered and introduced is truly inspiring,” said Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. “Our 175th anniversary is the perfect occasion to celebrate our heritage by showcasing these exquisite stones in one-of-a-kind jewels, which so perfectly reflect Tiffany’s brilliant design legacy.”
The unique blue-violet colored gems were originally discovered in 1967 by a Masai tribesman in Tanzania's Merelani area near Mount Kilimanjaro. Originally thought to be sapphires, the gems fascinated a prospector who registered claims in the area to unearth more of the vividly colored crystals. As interest grew in this new gem, a transparent blue variety of the species zoisite, top gemologists flocked to the area. And in 1968, the gem had a new name courtesy of Tiffany: "tanzanite."
By introducing tanzanite to the market, Tiffany & Co. promoted the gem's captivating color and allure. The finest tanzanites are an intense blue or violetish-blue, and Tiffany's 175th anniversary jewels showcase them in custom creations.
“The story of how these gemstones were discovered and introduced is truly inspiring,” said Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. “Our 175th anniversary is the perfect occasion to celebrate our heritage by showcasing these exquisite stones in one-of-a-kind jewels, which so perfectly reflect Tiffany’s brilliant design legacy.”
Tiffany Anniversary Tanzanite necklace with tanzanite of over 175 carats, set with a cascade of brilliant-cut round diamonds in platinum • Photo: Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany Garden bracelet and Enchant earrings with diamonds, tanzanites, and tsavorite garnets in platinum • Photo: Tiffany & Co.
The Tiffany Anniversary Tanzanite necklace prior to setting • Photo: Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany tanzanite ring with 9.99-carat tanzanite and diamonds set in platinum • Photo: Tiffany & Co.
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