Editors

Tanzanite’s Story Gets the Publishing Treatment

EditorsNov 29, 2016

Tanzanite’s Story Gets the Publishing Treatment

Tanzanite: Born From Lightning tells the gem’s story, from discovery at Mount Kilimanjaro to the designer jewelry world.

20161129_Tanzanite-book.jpg

I can’t get enough of all the jewelry books coming out right now.

I don’t know if we’ve just suddenly started hearing more about them or if there has actually been an increase in the number, but, whatever the case may be, it feels like the time of the jewelry book. And I love it.

There have been plenty that have popped up recently, including books on jewelry design and gems overall, but a new one came to our attention that puts the spotlight on one gemstone.

Tanzanite: Born From Lightning tells the story of the gem’s discovery in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and its journey into the designer jewelry world, sharing personal accounts and experiences of the early prospectors who shaped its journey from mine to market, including how it got its name and came to join the modern-day birthstone list.

RELATED CONTENT: How the Modern Birthstone List Came to Be

Hayley Henning, the former executive director of the Tanzanite Foundation, the organization dedicated specifically to the promotion and protection of the stone, and Didier Brodbeck, the founder of Dreams magazine and Heure International, wrote the book. Brazilian jewelry designer Icaro Carlos did the art direction.

Born from Lightning also features a compilation of some of the world’s most prestigious brands, designers and jewelry makers--names like Lorenz Bäumer, Stephen Webster, Roberto Coin, Ruth Grieco, Brigitte Ermel, Wallace Chan and Erica Courtney--to showcase their most stunning creations using the gem.

The authors took more than two years to put the book together.

Tanzanite: Born from Lightning launched in September at the Hong Kong Gem and Jewelry Show and is available now for pre-order on Amazon for $79.95.
    
Attendees of the upcoming AGTA GemFair Tucson will also be able to buy the book at the event.

I recently asked Henning a few more questions about the book and its release; here’s what she had to say.

National Jeweler: Why did you feel like the time was right for the book, and why did you want to tell the story about tanzanite?

Hayley Henning: The book was a natural and obvious thing for me. After so many years of running the Tanzanite Foundation and working with industry stakeholders to promote the gem, it was something that I had always wanted to do. It just seemed right and would complete the circle of where I’d been in my career in the world of tanzanite.

My

experience ran the full range from the mining operation to dealers and designers and everything in between--really bridging the gap between what went on at the mine to how these exquisite gems found themselves into the jewelry boxes of the most discerning jewelry and gem collectors.


Erica Courtney’s 18-karat gold tanzanite and diamond “Shayne” earrings
 
Also, given that tanzanite is more popular now than ever before, and nothing like this has been done before, we thought it was time to showcase some of the most exquisite tanzanite jewels, and their designers, and put them together in this unusual compilation.  

Didier Brodbeck has done quite a number of gem and jewelry books already and after we met a few years ago in Paris, we started talking about doing something with tanzanite. Two years later, literally hundreds of emails back and forth, and even more Skype calls, we proudly launched Tanzanite: Born From Lighting.  

NJ: Can you give any examples about what kind of personal accounts and experiences from the prospectors are included in the book?

HH: There are a quite a few poignant and important personalities in the short history of tanzanite since its discovery in 1967. One of these gentlemen is the late Campbell Bridges, who, amongst so many of his incredible achievements, is noted for the introduction of tanzanite (and tsavorite) to Tiffany & Co. in the late ‘60s. There is a memoir from Campbell in the book kindly given to us by his son, Bruce Bridges.

There is also a story told by John Saul, who was also amongst the original dealers of tanzanite in the early days--his account comes from an article he wrote for Life magazine in early 1970, shortly after tanzanite was discovered. There are some other fun stories too, but one needs to turn the pages to see who else has contributed.

NJ: How do you think that adding tanzanite to the birthstone list has affected the gem?

HH: The official list of birthstones had been unchanged since the early 1900s, so when tanzanite was added as the birthstone for the month of December, not only did it give tanzanite a place amongst other birthstones, but it also gave it a recognition well overdue and very much deserved. It was also recognized as being important enough for the American Gem Trade Association to reopen the birthstone files to make the change. Because tanzanite is so rare and will only be around for one generation, we say that it is not only the official birthstone for December, but it is the birthstone for all babies born between 1967 and 2030, which are known to be the years in which tanzanite will be mined.  

NJ: What do you think is the future of the stone?

HH: Tanzanite is a non-renewable resource from only one place in the world. This alone speaks of its rarity, not to mention the incredible and exquisite color! Like with anything that has a limited availability, we see it getting more and more sought after as the years go on. Also, with recognition, tanzanite grows in popularity--as designers work with more and more tanzanite, and people become more acquainted with the stone, it becomes harder and harder to resist. From a price point of view, the opportunities are endless. There is no other natural gemstone with the same attributes (color, size potential, rarity) that compares.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Gem Legacy logo
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory Council

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

×

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