A direct connection with an African mining company has led to the creation of Elizabeth Hamilton Jewels, a new line of tanzanite, gold and crystal jewellery, designed by two friends, Jeannie Hamilton Pearman of Bermuda and American Betty Kelly Sargent.

They have begun marketing the line here at Cecile on Front Street, and are set to begin selling in New York later this summer.

The two gemologists are able to buy flawless, AA (Double A quality) tanzanites directly from a friend's mine in Uganda, for less than half the price per carat they are available at Tiffany's.

Ms Pearman said the Kashmir blue tanzanites are set in 18 carat gold with a Florentine finish as rings. Crystal pendants are hand cut and also set in 18 carat gold, with rings to match.

The crystals can be worn on pearls, a gold chain, or a twisted fabric cord, and are set variously with cabochon rubies, emeralds, sapphires, amethyst and tourmalines.

Ms Pearman said, "I used to be co-owner of Triangles on Front Street. I was there for 18 years but sold it a year ago. I was always interested in the jewellery part of my business so I studied at the Gemological Institute of America in New York to get my gemology degree.

"My partner is based in New York, where we intend to start selling them this September.

"I can get the tanzanites for about half of what I can get them for in the US. Tiffany's sells them exclusively in the US at $1,000 a carat. I'm able to sell them for less than $500 a carat by buying them from the cutter.

"I think they are beautiful and I know they are quite in demand in the US.

The crystal jewellery is very chic and different. I expect the business to do very well.'' JEANNIE HAMILTON PEARMAN -- "I was always interested in the jewellery part of my business so I studied at the Gemological Institute of America in New York to get my gemology degree.''