L’Heure Bleu Tanzanite Carving Sets Guinness World Record As Largest Cut Tanzanite

On March 9, the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon, became the site of a historic event as artist Naomi Sarna's L’Heure Bleu tanzanite carving was declared the world's largest cut tanzanite by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. The 703-carat masterpiece captivated a packed audience during its official weighing, overseen by Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric. Gemstone experts Jessie English of J.S. English Appraisals and Madeline Saunders from Oregon Estate Jewelry served as the official witnesses, marking a significant moment for the museum and the gemstone community.

Gail Copus Spann, president of the board of directors at the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals, expressed her delight at hosting such a monumental occasion. The event not only showcased Naomi Sarna's exceptional talent but also highlighted the museum's commitment to celebrating unique contributions to the mineralogical world. The museum director, Kim Vagner, alongside Spann, welcomed attendees to this unforgettable gathering.

Naomi Sarna's journey with the L’Heure Bleu tanzanite began several years prior when she was invited to visit the Tanzanite mines at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Tasked with creating a carving for an international competition, Sarna immersed herself in the local culture and community. During her stay, she engaged in humanitarian efforts by teaching Maasai women how to craft wire-wrap jewelry from tanzanite, deeply moved by their living conditions and health challenges.

Driven by a desire to make a lasting impact, Sarna pledged to donate the profits from the sale of her award-winning tanzanite carving to the Casey Eye Institute in Portland. This renowned institution is set to provide essential eye care services to the Maasai community. Dr. Andreas K. Lauer, director of the Casey Eye Institute, acknowledged Sarna's generous commitment, emphasizing the profound difference her contribution will make in enhancing vision care for patients and their families in Tanzania.

The recognition of L’Heure Bleu as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title brings international attention not only to Sarna's artistic achievement but also to her humanitarian mission. The accolade strengthens her resolve to support vision care initiatives for the Maasai people, laying a foundation for future efforts aimed at improving their quality of life.

Sarna's selection of the tanzanite crystal for L’Heure Bleu was inspired by her experiences in Tanzania and her appreciation for the gemstone's unique beauty. Her creation won a First-Place Spectrum Award for carving from the American Gem Trade Association and is mounted on a Sterling Silver base that reflects the winds of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley.

This event at the Rice Northwest Museum not only celebrated a significant achievement in the world of gemstone carving but also highlighted the power of art and philanthropy coming together to make a positive impact on communities across the globe.