Tantalizing Tanzanite - Vintage 14K Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Cluster Pendant With Chain (VP176)

Tantalizing Tanzanite - Vintage 14K Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Cluster Pendant With  Chain. This stunning pendant is crafted from 14K yellow gold, tested, and confirmed. The Chain is hallmarked 14K, Italy. Featuring one natural oval cut faceted tanzanite, 12 natural round brilliant diamonds, classic styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this pendant is expertly claw-set with a beautiful violet/blue tanzanite. Fine tanzanite radiates with light and color in the purple blue spectrum. Distinct and with a color palette all its own, since its discovery in the 1960s, its origins remain tied only to one small region of Africa. The precious gemstone has a sparkling diamond surround, which compliments the tanzanite without overwhelming its presence. The bale is substantial and solid, which supports the weighty gallery perfectly. The pendant has been matched up to a belcher antique style chain, which has a secure spring ring clasp, in perfect working order. This vintage pendant looks stunning when worn, and is truly an heirloom worthy piece to be cherished for many years to come.

Note: Appraisal included with the pendant and chain. 

History: The common story of tanzanite's discovery tells of Maasai herders who found blue crystals in the Merelani Hills near Arusha, Tanzania, while tending livestock in 1967.

Tanzanite is a shocking 1000 times more rare than a diamond. Discovered for the first time in 1967 and only found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, these gemstones go for about $1,500 per carat.

The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Measurements: Pendant (Including bale) 25.50 mm x 14.00 mm    Chain 18"

Stone Size: Tanzanite 1.90 carats    Diamonds .75 carats 

Weight: 5.75 grams 

Condition: Excellent   Note: A slight age related abrasion on the facet of the tanzanite. which is seen under magnification. 

Origin: Italy 

Date: Circa 1960