Sourcing

This 116-Carat Tsavorite Is Now in the Smithsonian

SourcingApr 19, 2023

This 116-Carat Tsavorite Is Now in the Smithsonian

Named the “Lion of Merelani,” the gem will be displayed at the D.C. museum along with the story of its cutting.

20230419_Tsavorite Lion of Merelani.jpg
The Lion of Merelani is a record-breaking 116-carat tsavorite that will be unveiled to the public April 20 as the newest addition to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.
Washington, D.C.—The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History plans to reveal a record-breaking, nearly 117-carat tsavorite to the public on Thursday.

The “Lion of Merelani” weighs 116.76 carats, more than 100 carats heavier than the museum’s current largest tsavorite, which is 15.93 carats.

It will join several other notable gems in the museum's National Gem Collection and be on display for the public in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.

“This tsavorite is truly one of the most important colored gemstones to have been mined this decade,” said mineralogist Jeffrey Post, the museum’s curator-in-charge of gems and minerals. “A gem like this is one of Earth’s natural treasures and is an exciting addition to the National Gem Collection and to our public exhibition.”

Tsavorite is a rare green grossular garnet predominantly found in a remote region along the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

British geologist Campbell Bridges first discovered the gemstone in Tanzania in 1967, followed by a source in Kenya three years later.

Bridges, along with longtime Tiffany & Co. executive Henry Platt (who also gave tanzanite its name), named the stone after the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya.

The rough crystal that became the Lion of Merelani was unearthed near Merelani, Tanzania, in 2017, coincidentally the same year that marked the 50th anniversary of tsavorite’s discovery.

It weighed 283 carats.

Campbell’s son Bruce Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Tsavorite mining company, played an integral part in the crafting of the Lion of Merelani, which he said is in honor of his late father.

The following year, world-renowned gem cutter Victor Tuzlukov shaped the gemstone into its current form—the world’s largest square cushion-cut tsavorite gem with 177 facets.

According to Post, faceted tsavorites over 10 carats are rare, making the nearly 117-carat Lion of Merelani an exceptional example of garnet.

20230419_Tsavorite rough.jpg
This rough tsavorite crystal was mined near Merelani, Tanzania, and weighed more than 283 carats before being shaped into the 177-facet, nearly 117 carat Lion of Merelani.


The tsavorite’s cut was historic and documented from start to finish, said the museum.

“The cutting process was comprehensively recorded by Bruce Bridges, and he will be providing the Smithsonian with an edited version of a video that will show the rough to cut journey of the gem,” Post said. “Also, GIA visited Tucson during the cutting of the stone and recorded video and interviewed the cutter.”

In the spring 2019 issue of Gems & Gemology, GIA’s quarterly research journal, an article documenting the stone’s cutting states that Tuzlukov first cut a test stone from a synthetic 3D model of the rough tsavorite. 

After making calculations following the test cut, he began cutting the actual stone right in front of the team from GIA, a process that was accomplished over the course of about a month, the article said.

“The material is amazing,” Tuzlukov told GIA. “It’s not only a pleasure but an honor for me to cut this.”

The added element of detailed documentation as a part of the gem’s story is not something every record-breaking stone comes with, Post said.

“It is rare that we can share with the public the story of how a rough stone is faceted into a great gem, including video of the faceting and interviews with the cutter.”

The Lion of Merelani is historic in other ways as well, with the Smithsonian stating it is the largest precision-cut tsavorite in the world, as well as the largest tsavorite gem ever cut in the United States. 

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
At the 2020 Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show, where Post and the rest of the Smithsonian’s gem collection team examined the Lion of Merelani up close, Post said they were, “astonished by its unprecedented size and quality.” 

The museum describes the gemstone’s color as “glowing green.”

Bruce had previously told GIA the gem could be a once-in-a-lifetime stone. 

Despite seeing most of the finest tsavorites in the world above 20 carats, he said he had never seen one comparable to this size in a square cushion cut, one of the rarest shapes for tsavorite, according to the GIA article.

The Smithsonian said the gem is a gift to the National Gem Collection from Somewhere in the Rainbow, a privately owned gem and jewelry collection focused on service-based colored gemstone education for the jewelry industry. 

It is also a gift from Bruce.

“We are confident this great tsavorite will quickly become a visitor favorite, for its beauty and its well-documented story,” Post said. “It will be the iconic garnet in the National Gem Collection, the one that all other tsavorites will be compared to in the future.”

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

Julia Roberts wearing a Chopard necklace
CollectionsMar 20, 2024
Julia Roberts Co-Designs New Chopard Jewelry Collection

“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy