The necklace suspending a cushion-shaped tanzanite weighing 423.56 carats, to a stylised necklace decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds together weighing approximately 57.65 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold, signed, length approximately 500mm.
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The Rarest of The Rare - The Namunyak Tanzanite In 1967, the discovery of the new and transparent variety of zoisite made quite an impression to the world. The newly developed stone, tanzanite, named after its only origin - the Merelani Hill in Tanzania, quickly became a highly sought-after and coveted gemstone because of its captivating colours. The most-prized colour in tanzanite is a pure blue similar to fine sapphire’s or an intense violet-blue of its own. In addition, cutting plays an important role in tanzanite’s colour display due to the stone’s strong pleochroism. To be offered in Tiancheng’s Spring Sale 2016 includes a stylish pendent necklace (Lot 153) set with a magnificent 423.56-carat tanzanite at the centre. Weighing over 1000 carats in its rough form, this legendary piece was discovered 40 years ago by the Maasai warriors and was finally tracked down in Tanzania two years ago. Recut from a 563-carat legend, it is believed to be the largest faceted tanzanite ever offered at auction. With elaborate and precise cutting, the stone got perfectly balanced of weight retention against quality of its face-up colour, resulting in adorably saturated and vibrant velvet blue colour. As a true splendour, it earns the name of ‘Namunyak Tanzanite’, which means lucky in Maa language.