Gem Quiz

I Was Discovered By a Geologist Fleeing a Buffalo

Its name was inspired by the national park where it was found.

Published

3 years ago

January 5, 2021

Chris Burslem

I Was Discovered By a Geologist Fleeing a Buffalo

THE STORY GOES that Campbell Bridges, the rugged geologist who found me, was walking in northern Tanzania in 1967, when he surprised a buffalo. The animal charged and Bridges dived into a gully to escape its wrath. When he lifted his head he noticed shards of green-tinged sunlight bouncing off crystals embedded in the dirt walls. “I had never seen a green like it. It was pure in every sense,” he would later recall. That Bridges also worked as a consultant for Tiffany & Co. didn’t hurt my elevation to Hot New Green Thing. Pedantically speaking, I am a grossular garnet, but I much prefer to answer to the name given to me by the president of Tiffany’s, a moniker inspired by the national park where Bridges stumbled across me.

Who am I?

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”