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How Tanzanite Was Discovered

One day in 1967, a Masai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu was walking along the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania when he found a stone. Perhaps he stubbed his toe on the rock or maybe it’s unusual color caught his eye, history doesn’t tell us that. We do know that this Masai warrior made history that day; he had discovered Tanzanite! To this day, this rare member of the zoisite group of minerals has been found in only one place on earth: a five-square mile hilltop near Arusha, Tanzania. In fact, Kilimanjaro International Airport is just ten miles north of where this rare gem is mined.

Tanzanite is related to another stone with Masai connections: anyolite (or ruby zoisite) is an opaque green stone with inclusions of large, generally opaque rubies; it’s named after a Masai word for green.

The new gem was originally called blue zoisite, but when Tiffany & Company presented the gemstone to the world in 1969, they had renamed it Tanzanite after the only country where it is found. It’s reported that they renamed it out of fear that mispronunciation of its unfamiliar name into “blue suicide” might affect sales of their new and exotic gem.

Like topaz and diamonds, a tanzanite gemstone exhibits perfect cleavage and a good, sharp blow could cause it to split right in half! Gem cutters have other problems to deal with when turning rough tanzanite into gems; it appears as different colors depending on the angle at which it’s viewed. It can appear blue (ranging from vivid sapphire to ultramarine), violet-blue, or violet. The less than desirable yellowish-brown tinge found in most of the rough crystals is easier to deal with; it vanishes when the stone is heated to between 752 & 932 degrees F. This heat treatment has the added benefit of enhancing the more desirable blue and violet colors.

If you would enjoy the beauty of tanzanite without the expense of this rare (and pricey!) gem, take a look at our tanzanite beaded anklet or tanzanite crystal earrings; they are only two of many tanzanite inspired designs we have available. And be sure to contact us for help in your quest for that perfect piece of beaded jewelry.

Long associated with Chinese culture, jade is an ancient and beautiful gemstone. The characteristic green color of the stone (which can range from very pale, milky green to very dark green) is caused by its iron content. More iron results in deeper green color. This extremely durable stone has been used to make tools and beaded jewelry, along with other objects used for ornamental or spiritual purposes, for at least 7000 years. Fine examples of jade jewelry and artifacts, both modern and historic, have been found all over the world.

Jade and Chinese Culture

It is hard to overstate the prominence of jade in Chinese culture. Traditionally, jade has been thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good health and long life. Jade is thought to possess almost human qualities, as described by Xu Shen in his work, Shuowenjiezi:

Because of the beauty of jade and its spiritual properties, it has been treasured by the Chinese people throughout their history. Jade has been called the imperial gem, and ornamental objects made from jade have been found in ancient royal tombs.

Jade is still popular in China today. Many households own cherished objects made from jade. In addition to jewelry, jade can be fashioned into innumerable things, from hair combs to statues to tea sets. These items are highly valued and often displayed with pride.

Jade and Maori Culture 

The Maori people are indigenous to New Zealand. Originating in Polynesia, they traveled the ocean by canoe and arrived in New Zealand around 3500 years ago. They have a rich and unique culture largely centered around artistic and religious pursuits. Jade, called pounamu in the Maori language, is sacred to the Maori people. Found only on the South Island, jade was originally mined for use in tools. Eventually, tribal leaders began to use ceremonial objects carved from jade as symbols of rank. These items were considered taonga (treasure) and were highly valued.

Today, jade is a favored gemstone in New Zealand. It is worked into jewelry featuring traditional Maori designs and symbols. Items made from jade are popular with tourists, and New Zealand residents often wear jade jewelry for good luck when traveling out of country.

Jade in Mesoamerica 

Jade has been found in archeological locations throughout Central America. Many ceremonial items made from jade appear in Mayan burial sites. One example is the jade beads often found in the mouths of the dead.  Olmecs were especially fond of rare blue jade. Found only in Guatemala, it symbolized water and was important to their religious rituals.

Jade is prized by people around the world. It is strong, gorgeous, and versatile and has great spiritual significance. For more information about gemstones or to see our beautiful handcrafted jade jewelry, please contact us today.

Nature makes them.  Men sweat for them, cut them, polish them, steal them and also kill for them.  Gemstones impress everyone, but some stones seem to take on a life of their own.  These famous gemstones still fascinate us today.

Probably the most famous gemstone in the world, the Hope Diamond hides quite a tale in her lovely steel-blue facets.  Mined originally in India, the owner sold it to the French King Louis XIV in the mid-1600s.  About 100 years later when Louis XVI lost his throne and his head, the diamond disappeared along with the other French crown jewels.  It turned up in the hands of Henry Hope in 1839 and received the name we know.  Hope died shortly after he bought it.  In 1910 an unfortunate lady named Evalyn Walsh McLean acquired it.  She lost a daughter to a drug overdose, a son to a car accident and her husband to a sanitarium.  She also lost her fortune.  Henry Winston purchased her estate jewelry in 1949 and later donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Natural Museum of History. He seems to have escaped the curse the stone acquired through the years.  Today, it is one of the most popular displays at the Museum.

The Museum also houses another famous gemstone, the Star of India.  About the size of a golf ball, the Star is one of the largest sapphires in the world.  It weighs in at 1563 carats!  Its value lies not only in its size and color but also in the rare double star it carries.  Mined in Sri Lanka, J. P. Morgan owned the stone before donating it to the Museum in 1900.  Due to poor security, in 1964 thieves took it from the museum along with several other stones.  It was later recovered from a bus terminal in Miami and returned.  It currently rests safely in the museum with improved protection.

The British Crown Jewels displayed at the Tower of London contain several famous gemstones.  The Koh-i-Noor diamond came originally from Indian mines.  It's name means "mountain of lights" for its dazzling pure white color and near flawless beauty.  It was given to Queen Victoria and set in the crown by Albert.  Like many other famous jewels, it carries a curse.  It's said that if a man wears it he will die.  Only women of the British royal family have ever worn it.  After Queen Elizabeth, it will pass to Kate, Duchess of Cambridge.

The Black Prince Ruby in the Imperial State Crown of England is also called the "Imposter Ruby."  It isn't a ruby at all, but a huge spinel.  Mined in what is now modern Tajikistan, it originally belonged to the Moorish Prince of Granada.  It passed through several hands before coming to the son of England's Edward III where it was given its present name.

One more gemstone became famous only in the 20th century.  La Peregrina Pearl was found by an African slave in the Gulf of Panama in the 16th century.  It passed through so many hands it was given the name Peregrina meaning "wanderer."   Philip of Spain gave it to Queen "Bloody" Mary of England, then took it back to Spain when she died.  It was later looted from Spain by Napoleon.  It continued its "wandering" until Richard Burton bought it in 1969 for a mere $37,000.  He gave it to Elizabeth Taylor who had it set in a gorgeous necklace.  After her death, it sold at auction for 11 million dollars in 2011.

These stones were famous for their size, their beauty, their perfection and, in part, who wore them.  All gemstones become personalized by their owners and have a story to tell.  What is your favorite gemstone and your story?  Contact us and let us help you find out.

In the history of famous gems and beaded jewelry, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond stands out for its dark tales of tragedy, torture and murder, of thrones, lost and gained. The legend is that whoever holds the diamond will be invincible, and men who believed the legend were willing to slaughter thousands for it. Even now, the gem is at the center of a dispute.

Its origin is a mystery. The strongest legend is that India's Kakatiya dynasty placed the 186 carat diamond in the eye of a Hindu goddess statue, probably starting an enduring trend of legends about cursed gems stolen from the eyes of statues. No one is even sure when it received its name, which translates to "mountain of light." Beginning in the 14th century, the jewel became a spoil of war, changing hands from warlord to warlord until in 1739, Persian ruler Nadir Shah sacked the Indian city of Agra and took Shah Jahan's magnificent jeweled Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor. The Peacock Throne disappeared, apparently broken up for its gold and jewels, but the struggle raged for possession of the Koh-i-Noor. The following years were violent and bloody, with various factions fighting for control. There were

Beginning in the 14th century, the jewel became a spoil of war, changing hands from warlord to warlord until in 1739, Persian ruler Nadir Shah sacked the Indian city of Agra and took Shah Jahan's magnificent jeweled Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor. The Peacock Throne disappeared, apparently broken up for its gold and jewels, but the struggle raged for possession of the Koh-i-Noor. The following years were violent and bloody, with various factions fighting for control. There were

The following years were violent and bloody, with various factions fighting for control. There were blindings, tortures, murders. One royal owner hid the diamond in the plaster wall of his cell. Finally, in 1843, young Dhulip Singh became the Maharajah of the Punjab and owner of the Koh-i-Noor. By 1849, the British stepped in and stopped the fighting by annexing India through the Treaty of Lahore, which specifically stated that the Koh-i-Noor was to be surrendered to Queen Victoria.

Afterward, the Maharajah, then living in London, was visited by the Queen and shown the stone, recut on the orders of Prince Albert to 108 carats. The young man reportedly said that it gave him great pleasure to place the stone in Victoria's hands.

In 1937, the diamond was set in the crown made for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It glitters regally from the Maltese Cross at the apex. The crown is worn only by female royals; It's considered unlucky for men to wear it. Understandable, considering its history.

Controversy over the fabulous stone hasn't ended. In 1947 and in 1953, India asked that the stone be returned. In 1976, the Prime Minister of Pakistan submitted a formal request that the Koh-i-Noor be returned to Pakistan, one of the many claimants to the stone. Britain maintains that the diamond was not seized – as it was so many times in its history – but was presented under the Treaty of Lahore. India protested a handover to Pakistan, and recently Iran made its own claim.

So far, Britain holds fast to the Koh-i-Noor, the diamond that was so drenched in blood and grief. It rests now in majestic glory, marveled at by tourists, with the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.

If cursed jewels aren't your thing, contact us for exquisite beaded jewelry.

Resources:

• Koh-i-Noor Diamond
• Koh-i-Noor

For centuries gemstones of all types have been said to hold mythical powers and healing energies. In fact, entire businesses were founded upon the belief of these healing properties which people have observed since ancient times. Today, many people may not believe in the healing powers of stones and other minerals, but they do believe the stones contain a certain natural 'force.' Whatever you believe, check out these five gemstones that are said to have some amazing health and wellness benefits.

Jade was considered more precious than diamonds in pre-Hispanic Mexico. This captivating green stone was valued with the same mystical properties in pre-historic Asian cultures. Named the “Stone from Heaven” jade has been prized in both Mesoamerica and China for thousands of years. The earliest jade object found by archeologists in China was a piece of a serpentine jade discovered in the Immortal Cave in Haicheng in the Liaoning Province.  This artifact dates back to the Stone Age, more than 12,000 years ago.

How important was jade to the ancient Chinese civilization?  The Philosopher Confucius was recorded reflecting on the qualities of this powerful stone. “Soft, smooth and glossy, it appeared to them like benevolence; fine, compact and strong - like intelligence.”
Attributed to Confucius (about 551-479 BC).

Called “yu” in Chinese and “ya’ax chin hun” in Mayan, the term “jade” roughly refers to a variety of metamorphic green stones including jadeites and nephrite. It cannot be fully understood by today’s culture of the enormous value attributed to this stone by early civilizations.

Pure white jade was rare and highly valued in ancient times, reserved in hina for Emperors and royalty. When green jade was introduced it then became the favored color by the elite.

Jade was often used as intricate ornaments for the very wealthy and symbolized the noble bearings of a gentleman. There is a Chinese saying: "The gentleman's morals are like jade." Meaning, his comportment is impeccable as jade was prized above silver and gold.

Myths and Lore:

In ancient Egypt and China, jade was used a talisman to promote good luck and strong bonds of friendship. It was also believed to protect the wearer from malevolent spirits and promote a long life.  Jade is said to protect the heart, kidneys, spleen and thyroid and in general to strengthen the body.

Symbolically jade was associated with human virtues because of its hardness, durability, and beauty.  It was also esteemed by the Chinese for its lovely musical qualities, its delicate, translucent colors, and its purported safeguarding powers.

Since ancient times, songs, poems and stories have been composed about the virtues of jade, playing upon its otherworldly and heavenly qualities.

Facts:

The most prized form of jade is known as imperial jade and comes from Myanmar. It is a rich emerald green color. Jade most commonly appears in mottled green and white.  The range of greens is light to dark, creamy, grayish, and varies according to location.  Jade can occasionally be found in the lovely but unusual colors of yellow, pink, purple, and black.  Jade is the mystical birthstone for March and for the zodiac sign Virgo.  As a wedding anniversary gift it is associated with the 12th, 30th and 35th years.

Although much is known of the multitude of uses of this elusive and beautiful stone over the past millennia, there are still many mysteries remaining which archeologists and historians have yet to solve.  While hundreds of carved jade “congs” have been found in numerous ancient sites, dating back many thousands of years, their exact religious significance remains unknown. The square carved on the outside, tubular and round on the inside artifacts are suggested to represent the connection of the earth, (square) and heavens, (round). We still, to this day, say, “the four corners of the earth,” so perhaps we are closer than we realize to solving the mystery of jade, the essence of heaven and earth.

We invite you to look over the vast assortment of beguiling jade handmade jewelry by Stephanie White and see if adding this celestial stone to your wardrobe will create a touch of heaven on earth for you. 

Article by: Diane Weisbeck