This beautiful tanzanite gemstone is set in an award-winning platinum and diamond ring designed by Mark Schneider. In 1967, violet-blue crystals of the mineral zoisite were discovered in Tanzania. Tiffany & Co. marketed the new zoisite gems under the name Tanzanite, and since its discovery, the gem has steadily increased in popularity and value. This fancy-cut triangular tanzanite gem exhibits the prized deep sapphire-blue color with highlights of intense violet. This extraordinary ring is the first piece of tanzanite jewelry accessioned into the National Gem Collection. Smithsonian Collecion.
JCK Jewelers Choice Awards
2010 - Contemporary Jewelry Over $1,000 (1">st Place)
Contemporary Opal Ring (DS2009-4)
-Best Bridal Design under $2,500 (1st Place)
Clarity (19055)
-Best Bridal Design Over $10,000 (1st Place)
Nancy’s Ring
-Men’s Jewelry Over $1,000 (1st Place)
Star Sapphire Ring (DS2008-1)
2008 - Men’s Jewelry Category over $3,000
Spessartite Garnet Ring (DS2007-1)
-Earring Design over $10,000
Green Tourmaline Earrings (DS2007-3)
Gemological Institute of America, Carlsbad
Best in Platinum Exhibit 2009-2010 – Neptune
Best of the Best Exhibit 2002-2003 – 11 pieces on display
Platinum Honors Award Winner
2010 – Elusive Spessartite Garnet (DS2010-2)
2009 – Neptune (DS2009-2)
2005 – Elite Emerald Ring (DS1215)
Pristine Jade Ring (19200)
2003 – Majestic Pearl (DS1204)
Princess Blue-Green Tourmaline (DS1202)
Exquisite Tanzanite (DS1206)
Galaxy Quartz Cufflinks (DS1205)
2002 – Noble Tanzanite (DS1197)
Superb Tsavorite Ring (DS1193)
2001 - Smithonian Tanzanite (?)
2000 – Magnificent Tanzanite (DS954)
1999 – Faceted Tanzanite Ring (DS1172)
Saul Bell Awards
2009 – Finalist Gold/Platinum Category
-Contemporary Opal Ring (DS2009-4)
Golden Globes
2009 – 66th annual Golden Globes
-Mindy Kaling – Kelly Kapoor on NBC’s The Office - Aquamarine ring (19205)
-David Blue – Cliff on ABC’s Ugly Betty – Rotating Cufflinks (DS1209)
JQ International Magazine Designer of the Year 2008
Manufacturer Jewelers & Silversmiths Association (MJSA) - American Vision Award
2008 - 2nd Place Natural Color Diamond Distinction
Contemporary Natural Diamond (DS2008-5)
2004 - 1st Place Platinum Distinction
Onyx Base Pearl Ring (?)
2002 – 1st Place Professional Category
Dynasty (DS1198)
Contemporary Jewelry Design Group (CJDG) – Designer of the Year 2007
American Gem Trade Association – Spectrum Award Winner
2006 – 1st Place Men’s Wear
Regal Tanzanite (?)
3rd Place Business Daywear
Voyage Onyx Pendant (?)
2005 - 1st Place Men’s Wear
Rotating Black Faceted Pearl Cufflinks ‘Orbit’ (DS1209)
2003 – 1st Place Casual Wear
Princess Blue-Green Tourmaline (DS1202)
2nd Place Evening Wear
Exquisite Tanzanite (DS1206)
Honorable Mention Men’s Wear
Galaxy Quartz Cufflinks (DS1205)
2002 – 2nd Place Men’s Division
Noble Tanzanite (DS1197)
-2nd Place Bridal Division
Royal Tanzanite (DS1194)
2001 – 1st Place Division 1
Exquisite Black Pearl (15176)
1998 – 1st Place Division 1 – Over $10,000
Eclipse Bolo Neck Tie
1994 – 1st Place Division 3, $2,000-$5,000
Moon River Tanzanite (?)
-2nd Place Division 3, $2,000-$5,000
Sunset Citrine Quartz Pin (?)
American Gem Trade Association – Spectrum Awards 2004 Judge
Smithsonian Institution Permanent Display 2001
Gem & Mineral Gallery, Washington DC
Tanzanite Ring (?)
Platinum Guild International – Featured Designer of the Year 2001
Tahitian Pearl Trophy Contest 2001
Honorable Mention
Day & Night Pearl (DS1201)
American Gem Society (AGS)
Excellence in Color Gemstone Design
2001
2000
Signity
Colored Gemstone Design Award 2000
(Shapes Bracelet)
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Gem Exhibit 1999-2001
De Beers Diamonds – International Awards 1998
Honoring 30 designers out of 2280
The sketches were ‘inadvertently destroyed in the transportation process between Paris and New York"
American Gem Trade Association – Cutting Edge Award 1997
-Citrine and Black Onyx Shield cut by Steve Walters; entered by Mark Schneider
-The Piece was put into the Bolo Necktie
Jewelers of America (JA) – New Designer of the Year 1996
De Beers – Diamonds of Distinction 1991
Honors Earrings
Honors Ring