In a ceremony last month, Naomi Sarna's 703-carat carved “L'Heure Bleu” won the Guinness World Record as the largest cut tanzanite in the world. Its sterling silver base is inspired by the winds of the Great Valley of the Tanzanian Rift Valley.
The official weigh-in of “L'Heure Bleu” took place on March 9 at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals in Hillsborough, Oregon.
Gem experts, Jessie English of J.S. English Appraisals and Madeline Saunders of Oregon Estate Jewelry, were the official witnesses to the weigh-in. Guinness World Records judge Michael Empric also verified and announced the results.
Rice Museum Board Chair Gail Spann and Museum Director Kim Vagner were in attendance.
“As director of the board of directors of the Rice Rock and Mineral Museum. But also a long-time supporter of this wonderful ” gem ” in Hillsborough, I couldn't be happier. Because we hosted Naomi Sarna on her Guinness World Records adventure, which was enjoyed by many attendees. We are fortunate to have such talent gracing the doorstep of our museum,” Spann said.
Several years ago, Sarna travelled to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The only place in the world where tanzanite is found. Her goal was to select the raw material from which she would create the largest carved tanzanite of all time.
She was asked to create a carving for an international competition that would benefit the Maasai people. The tribe whose ancestral lands include the tanzanite mines. Where a tribesman first discovered the gemstone 50 years ago.
While in Tanzania, Sarna was presented with various tanzanite crystals and chose the piece that eventually became L'Heure Bleu.
In 2013, it won first place in the carving category at the American Gem Trade Association's annual Spectrum Awards.
The gemstone is set on a silver 925 silver base. It is inspired by the winds of Tanzania's Great Rift Valley.
Sarna is also involved in humanitarian work in Tanzania. The project involves teaching Maasai women to make wire jewellery using tanzanite.
While in Tanzania, Sarna witnessed the effects of poverty and eye disease in the community. She plans to donate the profits from the eventual sale of L'Heure Bleu to the Portland-based Casey Eye Institute to provide eye care to the Maasai.
In 2017, National Jeweler reported that the asking price was $500,000.
“The Guinness World Records bring international recognition and attention to my tanzanite sculpture L'Heure Bleu.
This recognition gives great strength to my promise to help the Maasai with their visionary difficulties. This is the cornerstone for our future hopes. That is to provide eye care to the Maasai in Tanzania,” said Sarna.
Dr. Andreas Lauer, president of the Casey Eye Institute, attended the weighing ceremony. At the same time, doctors from the institute were arriving in Tanzania for a conference on cataracts.
“Casey Eye Institute is indebted to Naomi. In the future, patients, their families and the Maasai community will feel her passion and love. As they express it with their smiles and joy from improved vision,” said Lauer.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
