Everybody knows Erica Courtney has an eye for beautiful jewelry, so her latest venture, a gemstone-only division, makes perfect sense. The Los Angeles–based designer says she’ll bring the same exacting approach to loose stones through her new venture, the Courtney Collection, as she does to her “drop dead gorgeous” line of jewelry.

The Courtney Collection will focus on “collectible, rare, and interesting gemstones,” according to a company statement, with Courtney serving as president and Adam Graham in the role of CEO. The newly formed entity will also be the official authorized North American distributor of Csarite, a rare, natural, color-change diaspore found only in the Anatolia region of Turkey (also marketed under the trade name Zultanite).

“I’ve been collecting fabulous gemstones for years and telling my clients to invest, so being a purveyor for my clients seemed to make sense,” Courtney tells JCK.

“I love the magic of colored gemstones, especially the few gems that exhibit a unique personality and beautiful energy,” she later added in a statement.

Milenyum Mining Limited, the mining, cutting, and marketing firm behind the Turkish diaspore, named Courtney its first authorized distributor of Csarite.

“Erica Courtney was one of the first designers to work with Csarite, as she recognizes that its soft hues and unique color-change property make it a perfect match for her feminine designs,” president Murat Akgun said.

See the Courtney Collection next week in Tucson, Ariz., at the GJX Gem & Jewelry Show at booth No. 2206, and at the AGTA GemFair at booth No. 1606.

With additional reporting by Victoria Gomelsky.

This story has been changed to reflect the fact that a color-change diaspore continues to be marketed under the trade name Zultanite. JCK regrets the error.

JCK