Gemstones From Tanzania

Tanzanite is a  rare gem found only in Northern Tanzania in the Arusha region close to Mount Kilimanjaro.  This gemstone is

named after its country Tanzania..

I own an amazing Tanzanite ring that keeps fascinating me.  The Tanzanite looks deep blue to me, but later discovered with movement, this stone gave me an array of beautiful colours.  I love it!!  In a conversation with Mohamed Mzava, who is in the mining industry, I can say; my knowledge of gems in Tanzania has greatly expanded.  Apart from the diamonds, golds and a few more, I now have seen pictures of Maasai moonstone, Tanzania moonstone, Green garnets and more.  I must say I was pleasantly surprised to know that there is much more than what I initially thought.  Tanzania a country on Sun, Sand & (now) Gems!!!

Tourmalines

Zircons

Find out more (images) of these gemstones from Mohamed Mzava's blog.
http://chamberstones.blogspot.com/

for more enquiries:  stonetown@hotmail.com

Static Vogue!

The Maasai 

If someone asks you very quickly to mention a popular tribe from Africa, I bet the Maasai will definitely be one of the answers.  Yes, the Maasai are among the most well known African ethnic groups, due to their distinctive customs, exquisite and exotic style.  In my own words, I call their style 'Static Vogue', simply because it is fashionable and timeless.  

This tribe is partly located in Northern Tanzania, in the Arusha region (also known as the land of  Mount Kilimanjaro), and in southern Kenya.

The Maasai have been without a doubt a source of inspiration to the fashion industry from magazine covers to fashion photoshoots. 

 The Masai inspiration is seen on runways across the world with well known fashion designers, like Mathew Williamson, John Galliano, Thacoon, and many others.  Their traditional off shoulder cloaks and wraps define the word vogue to me, not to mention their use of vibrant colours of red, blue and all sorts of stripy and checked woven fabrics.

The young lady in blue only requires a pair of heels and she's set for the runway!

Thacoon autumn/winter collection 2011

Maasai are also best known for their beautiful beadwork which plays an essential element in the ornamentation of their body both men and women. 

Smiling Masai women and their lovely beads!

                                                 

Mathew Williamson's beaded waistcoat at the Design Museum London, Summer 2008

Photograph:  Anna Luks

Mathew Williamson's spring 2008 ethnic inspired collection (Style.com)

In 1997, Galliano took classic Dior themes and spun them together with exotic African Maasai tribal forms to create silk evening dresses accented with colourful beaded 

Christian Dior haute couture, Galiano's first spring/summer collection 1997. Model wearing a beaded choker neckless

Source:

http://afroklectic.blogspot.com/2011/03/ocean-colour-scene.html

http://www.styleite.com/runway/john-galliano-first-collection-for-dior/

http://lavera-photo-stories.com/?p=1672
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Masai_women.jpg
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2011-RTW/THAKOON/THAKOON#mode=base;slide=0;