Le Vian Donates World's "Newest" Gemstone to Museum
September 06, 21
(IDEX Online) - Unique specimens of Aquaprase, the world's "newest" gemstone, are being donated to the American Museum of Natural History.
The bluish-green chalcedony was discovered in 2013 by veteran gem explorer Yianni Melas at an undisclosed location in Africa, as the first "new" gemstone of the century.
New York-based jewelers Le Vian is gifting examples of its own classification of the stone, called Peacock Aquaprase, to the museum, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, in New York City.
The donation comprises two rough gemstone specimens, two polished specimens and two couture pieces - a ring and a necklace, both handcrafted in 18 karat strawberry gold.
They'll go on on public view when the museum's Gem and Mineral Hall, when it re-opens, at a date yet to be set.
Pics, courtesy Le Vian, shows rough Peacock Aquaprase and the Kameha ring and Kailani necklace