Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things
In 1967, as the famous story goes, a Masai (or hunter) tribesman quite literally stumbled upon a cluster of deep violet-blue crystals coming out of the ground in Merelani. This man reported his discovery to a local treasure hunter, Manuel d’Souza. Recognizing the potential in these mysterious crystals, d’Souza quickly established four claims. He was hopeful that these claims were a new source for fine sapphires – however, it was an entirely new gemstone.
Ninety additional claims popped up within the same area. No one knew what this brilliant blue gem was, but everyone was certain it would be very profitable. An iconic and well-known name in the jewelry industry jumped on the momentous opportunity and brokered a deal to become the main distributor… it was none other than Tiffany & Co. As such, they were granted the honor of naming the stone. Dubbed for the area in which it was found, tanzanite was born.
This extraordinary gemstone boasts shades of brilliant blue, vivid violet, and plush purple… and is only found in one place on Earth. Since it’s discovery just fifty-seven years ago, tanzanite has rivaled the big three (ruby, emerald, and sapphire) in terms of popularity. Over the years, Joden Jewelers has featured more than a few fine examples of this vibrant gem, but perhaps none more lovely than this collar.
Crafted entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, this bit of neck candy is sensational. A bold cushion-cut tanzanite is nestled within the horseshoe-shaped center. Looking very much like a fine sapphire, this electric blue gem weighs an impressive 7.50 carats. The remainder of the collar is comprised of forty-two individual links. Alternating between a larger bar and a smaller bead-shaped link, the piece gradually becomes smaller and smaller the closer it gets to the clasp.
Thirteen of the links (including the center) are pavé-set with fully faceted round brilliant diamonds. There are exactly two hundred and seventy-seven diamonds that have a combined weight of 8.00 carats! This is no ordinary necklace, but rather an extraordinary example of luxury. Priced at $13,750.00 – perhaps you’re thinking you have nowhere to wear this beauty. Quite the contrary, I say! If you’re lucky enough to own it, you can wear it any darn place you want.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
