New Entry In The Guinness World Record: A 703- Carat Tanzanite
The largest cut tanzanite in the world, a 703-carat blue tanzanite carving by artist Naomi Sarna, now holds the Guinness World Record.
The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon hosted the official "L'Heure Bleu" weigh-in on March 9.
The official witnesses for the weighing were gemstone experts Jessie English of J.S. English Appraisals and Madeline Saunders of Oregon Estate Jewelry. Michael Empric, the adjudicator for Guinness World Records, confirmed and made public the results. Kim Vagner, the director of the museum, and Rice Museum Board President Gail Spann were also present.
Photo: The Tanzanite carved by Naomi Sarna (Source: YouTube Screenshot)
The Tanzanite And Mt. Kilimanjaro
“As the director of the Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals board, and longtime supporter of this wonderful ‘gem’ in Hillsboro, I couldn’t have been more delighted that we hosted Naomi Sarna on her adventure with Guinness World Records that was enjoyed by many attendees. We are lucky to have such talent grace our museum’s doorstep”, said Spann.
To pick the raw from which to produce the largest-ever carved tanzanite, Sarna journeyed to the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro several years ago. This is the only spot in the world where tanzanite is found.
The Maasai People
The Maasai people, whose ancestral territories contain the tanzanite mines where a tribesman first discovered the gemstone over 50 years ago, requested that she create a carving for a worldwide competition that would benefit the tribe, according to National Jeweler.
Sarna selected the tanzanite crystal that would later become the L'Heure Bleu after being shown several of them while in Tanzania..
It took first place in the carving division of the annual Spectrum Awards presented by the American Gem Trade Association in 2013.
The sterling silver basis for the gemstone was influenced by the Great Rift Valley winds in Tanzania.
Along with her humanitarian activities, Sarna teaches Maasai women in Tanzania how to produce tanzanite wire-wrap jewelry..
Sarna saw firsthand how the population was impacted by eye disease and poverty while she was in Tanzania. In order to help the Maasai people with eye care, she intends to donate the proceeds from the ultimate sale of L'Heure Bleu to the Portland-based Casey Eye Institute.
National Jeweler stated in 2017 that the asking price was $500,000.
Recognition
“The Guinness World Records brings international recognition and attention to my tanzanite carving L'Heure Bleu. This recognition gives great strength to my promise to help the Maasai with their vision difficulties. This is the cornerstone for our future hopes to provide eye care to the Maasai in Tanzania”, said Sarna.
The Casey Eye Institute chair, Dr. Andreas Lauer, was present during the weighing ceremony. Doctors from the institute were traveling to Tanzania concurrently for a seminar on cataracts.
Dr. Lauer said that the Casey Eye Institute is in Naomi’s debt.
“In the future, patients, their families, and the Maasai community will feel her passion and love as they express it through their smiles and joy from improved vision”, he added.
