Hillsboro, Ore.— A monumental achievement has been etched in the annals of gemstone history as a 703-carat blue tanzanite carving, crafted by artist Naomi Sarna, secured a prestigious Guinness World Record as the largest cut tanzanite globally.
The official weighing ceremony of the remarkable “L’Heure Bleu” took place on March 9 at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals situated in Hillsboro, Oregon. Gemstone experts, Jessie English of J.S. English Appraisals, and Madeline Saunders of Oregon Estate Jewelry, were appointed as official witnesses for the weighing process, while Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric meticulously verified and announced the groundbreaking results.
The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of Rice Museum Board President Gail Spann and Museum Director Kim Vagner, adding prestige to the event. Reflecting on the significance of hosting Sarna’s remarkable achievement, Spann expressed her delight, emphasizing the museum’s pride in facilitating Sarna’s journey towards securing a Guinness World Record.
Several years ago, Sarna embarked on a poignant journey to the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the exclusive source of tanzanite worldwide, with a mission to select the rough gemstone from which to carve the largest-ever tanzanite masterpiece. Tasked with creating a carving for an international competition benefiting the Maasai people, whose ancestral lands encompass the tanzanite mines, Sarna meticulously handpicked the rough gemstone that would eventually metamorphose into the illustrious L’Heure Bleu.
In 2013, Sarna’s exemplary craftsmanship earned her the prestigious first place in the carving category of the American Gem Trade Association’s annual Spectrum Awards for the mesmerizing L’Heure Bleu. The captivating gemstone now sits atop a sterling silver base inspired by the winds of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, a testament to Sarna’s profound artistic vision and meticulous attention to detail.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Sarna is deeply committed to humanitarian efforts in Tanzania, particularly in empowering Maasai women through the art of jewelry-making using tanzanite. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by the Maasai community, including poverty and eye disease, Sarna has pledged to donate the proceeds from the eventual sale of L’Heure Bleu to the Portland-based Casey Eye Institute, dedicated to providing essential eye care services to the Maasai.
Dr. Andreas Lauer, Chair of the Casey Eye Institute, lauded Sarna’s philanthropic endeavors, emphasizing the profound impact her contribution will have on improving vision and transforming lives within the Maasai community. Expressing gratitude for Sarna’s unwavering commitment, Dr. Lauer highlighted the enduring legacy of compassion and generosity embodied by Sarna’s noble gesture.
