Tanzanite gemstone has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its exceptional beauty and color. From its first discovery at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in the late 1960s, this precious gemstone was named tanzanite after the country of origin. Tanzanite has a unique rich blue-violet hue with a hint of purple. It is quickly becoming a favorite for jewelry lovers who appreciate this combination of violet and blue shades or who simply enjoy wearing something ‘new’.
The Colorful History & Lore behind Tanzanite Tanzanite is most known for its beautiful violetish-blue hues, but it also displays many other colors such as shades of purples and greens when treated with heat or exposed to ultraviolet light. It is believed that this stone was formed by volcanic activity which subjected it to high temperatures and pressure.
This theory, combined with its pleasing blend of hues, gives it mythical heroic qualities which makes Tanzanite one of the most desired stones in modern times. Due to its deep history connected to the East African region, some people believe that this stone personified power and protection from tribal chiefs in ancient times which still exists today with fans seeking good luck.
Beauty & Quality of Tanzanite Jewellery Apart from being highly sought after for their unique colors and properties, tanzanite gemstones are also admired for their hardiness and durability as they are typically given an A+ grade on the Mohs scale with a rating up to 6.5 – 7.0 compared to diamonds which have a 10 rating on the Mohs scale.
As well as having excellent craftsmanship when cut into cabochons or brilliant cuts; these countless facets leave lasting impressions upon viewers displaying all angles if gorgeous blues and purples at once.
Also due to their rarity, pieces made entirely from tanzanites are sure to make remarks anywhere you stray particularly among jewelry connoisseurs or fashionistas searching for exquisite statement pieces – another reason aside from their looks why these gemstones rank amongst some of the more coveted pieces in any collection.
History and Origin of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone having only been discovered in 1967. It has since become one of the most sought after gems due to its eye-catching and vivid blue hues, similar to that of sapphires. This unique gem is found exclusively in the Mererani Hills, near Arusha, Tanzania which is the only known place in the world that it can be sourced from.
The precious violet-blue tones of Tanzanite stands out amongst other gemstones as it presents a multitude of shifting colors depending on the lighting conditions – from deep blues to greens when illuminated in direct or incandescent light and vibrant purplish-blue when lit with fluorescent light. It is because of this quality that it’s most admired by jewelry lovers.
Tanzanite Color Grading
In general, tanzanite rocks range from shades of blue to bluish-violet or purple but this should not lead us to think that all specimens are identical as each piece will have its own unique coloration with subtle nuances varying by individual stone.
This makes it necessary to grade them on multiple levels starting with clarity grading and color grading which is based on intensity of color and finally tone grading which establishes how dark versus how light the stone appears to be.
The Tanzanite Cut & Shape
It has been determined through research that stones having deeper crystals create more saturated color thus making them highly valued by collectors. Because deep cut stones tend to appear ‘blacker’ or darker than shallow ones they are more valuable however, many discerning clients prefer lighter stones because these maintain their vibrancy over time ensuring lasting glamour and charm that all gems should possess.
Popular shapes for tanzanite include ovals, marquise, pears and round while cushion cuts are becoming increasingly common too owing partly due to their visual appeal due to being able to display rich facet patterning along with its exquisite coloring.
Characteristics of Tanzanite Gemstones & Their Uses
Tanzanite gemstones are a beautiful deep blue-purple in color, created hundreds of millions of years ago deep within the mountains of Tanzania. It is one of the few gems that show off such brilliant hues, yet is still relatively unheard of among other precious stones.
One of the unique characteristics about tanzanite is it can appear to display multiple colors across its spectrum and depending on how it is cut or exposed to light, will influence what color is being showcased.
Tanzanite’s are generally use for fine jewelry and usually come in lighter shades that tend to be more transparent than other gemstones. It has great luster when polished and its unique duality make it highly sought after item amongst collectors and jewelers alike.
Popular shapes include ovals, rounds and pears; although these gemstones can be given almost any common shape with ease by master jewelers. Tanzanites are also very heat resistant and while faceted can handle everyday wear and tear better than many other colored gems.
When properly taken care for this type of gemstone should not fade or change colors over time but caution needs to be taken when cleaning as chemical based solutions or high intense cleansers should not be used as they could potentially diminish their natural brilliance which would ultimately damage the stone’s appearance.
Tanzanites also have some additional mystical connotations attributed to them symbolizing renewal, earth energy, peacefulness and transformation – all beneficial attributes associated with wearing them whenever possible wearer beware.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating Tanzanite Quality & Cuts
When evaluating the quality of a Tanzanite gemstone, there are two main factors to consider: color and clarity. Both are important and should be examined when considering purchasing Tanzanite jewelry. Color is especially important, as it determines the value of the gemstone.
It should be noted that while tanzanite does occur in various shades of blue, purplish blue is considered to be the most preferred among many connoisseurs. Furthermore, color saturation also contributes significantly to the overall value of a tanzanite stone – higher saturation generally results in higher prices. Another factor to consider is its clarity; usually flawless stones will fetch higher prices than ones with inclusions and/or surface markings.
Cut
The cut or shape of a Tanzanite also has an influence on its beauty and value. Gems with good symmetry and even faceting can improve its sparkle, brilliance, depth, intensity, and attractiveness. Overly deep cuts may have more carat weight but do not increase the stone’s appeal as much due to their dark centers which detract from its vibrancy.
On the other hand, gemstones that are too shallow don’t receive light very efficiently and may appear flat or lacklustre in comparison to well-cut stones. Additionally, more complex shapes such as ovals can bring out different colors depending on how they are cut which can make them appear more interesting overall if done properly.
Treatment
It is also important to take note of any treatments that have been done on Tanzanite gemstones as this can affect its authenticity and overall cost significantly. Stones that have been heated either partially or completely will usually be less expensive than untreated ones.
Additionally, some gemstones may be treated with oil or colorless wax for cosmetic purposes and this should be taken into account when determining its total price tag if applicable. Such treatments are often used by merchants to improve a stone’s appearance although care must be taken not to damage it otherwise this could cause problems later down the line should any repairs or replacements be needed in future years.
Examples of Popular Tanzanite Jewelry Pieces
Tanzanite is one of the most unique and beautiful gemstones available, making it a popular choice for those looking to add a special touch to their collection of jewelry. While many other stones get cut into traditional shapes such as round, emerald-cut, oval or marquise, tanzanite often retains its natural shape which consists of an elongated crystal known as trilliant cut. The sides provide countless facets full of color and life.
This stone can then be used to create all kinds of amazing pieces from rings to necklaces and everything else in between. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular styles to have come from this stunning gemstone:
Rings
One of the most classic styles is a tanzanite ring. The design usually consists of one large gem in a setting accompanied by tiny diamonds that greatly compliment the tanzanite’s vivid hue. Depending on your budget and what looks best with your outfit or style, it’s possible to find varying sizes and qualities among these rings.
It could be simple yet glamorous like cluster rings featuring several smaller stones in a band setting or extravagant designs with intricate silver outlining that allow for light play which will make even more shine and sparkle appear as you move around in different directions. You can get these tailored exactly how you want since there are so many options out there.
Necklaces
Another way to incorporate this vibrant gem is through necklaces either by draping strands across the chest or displaying one large pendant like an eye-catching centerpiece. These pieces come in different lengths too depending on how long you’d like it hang down from the back or side area – short ones can hug just above the collarbone while longer ones reach higher up towards the shoulders giving off a much bolder statement overall.
Often times other materials such as gold are used as accents for extra sparkle and everyone’s favorite color combination – blue and purple – come through nicely from these brilliant stones no matter where they’re placed.
Earrings
Tanzanite earrings are also quite popular thanks to their elegant and subtle appeal which easily adds glamour without being too overbearing. They come in different shapes such as hoops, drops or studs but if you’re looking for something even more unique try customizable designs inspired by nature like leaf motifs made specifically with this stone in mind.
You can pair them with any outfit – from casual jeans & t-shirts on days when you just want some added bling, all the way up high end formal wear for an unforgettable night out.
Best Practices for Buying & Caring for Tanzanite Jewelry
Tanzanite is one of the most rare, precious gemstones in the world. It has a deep blue color with hints of violet and purple and a mesmerizing brilliance. With proper care, tanzanite jewelry can maintain its beautiful luster for many years.
When shopping for tanzanite jewelry, it’s important to choose pieces that have quality settings, good craftsmanship, and a reputable origin. Buying jewelry from a trusted seller ensures you will receive authentic products crafted with genuine gemstones. Be sure to examine all angles of your piece carefully to check for signs of damage before making any purchases.
In addition to choosing quality jewelry designs, it’s crucial to take precautions when caring for your tanzanite gems. Tanzanite should never be placed in direct or prolonged sunlight, as this can cause discoloration and weakening of the stone over time. To prevent dust settling on the surface, regular cleaning is necessary.
Here are some best practices for buying & caring for tanzanite jewelry:
- Only buy from a trusted seller
- Examine each piece closely for signs of damage
- Keep tanzanite away from direct sunlight
- Clean regularly to remove dust using an ultrasonic cleaner or soapy water
- Avoid wear & impact as stones are delicate
Notable Facts About Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a stunning gemstone that has become increasingly popular in the last few decades. Its beautiful blue-purple color and unique sparkle make it an ideal choice for many types of jewelry. Below is a list of some notable facts about tanzanite:
- Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967, in Tanzania.
- It is extremely rare and only found at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
- Tanzanite is a trichroic gemstone; it can display three colors – blue, purple and pink – depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
- Its hardness falls between 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for daily wear jewelry.
Tanzanite has an exquisite look which makes it a favorite among jewelers. Its mesmerizing reflective quality means that light fingerprints show up well on its surface, bringing out its best properties both in daylight and under artificial light. Different captures of colors can be seen when one looks directly at or slightly away from leading faces of this gemstone. This magical trademark gives the stone its high beauty rating among gemstones.
The color of Tanzanite reflects various levels of saturation and hue depending on how close to its source it was unearthed. Zones tilted from northern to southerly offer more intense blues while those with east-west inclination produce lighter blues with greater transparency.
The stone’s highest qualities are usually determined by lively violet hues that appear at certain lighting conditions or indirect angles of view. Therefore selecting each Tanazanite carefully by professional assessors indulges one into acquiring one’s for real value keeping away dubious clarity counterfeits often disguised as Tanazanites while bidding online auctions blocked in far off countries no matter where you live.
The immense popularity of tanzanites has led to an increase in laboratory cut gems with very low cost per carat seducing trend followers who end up being misleadingly cheated when ultraviolet and visible spectrum glasses fail to unveil prominence they had expected taking them once again back towards reliable dealers run by certified professionals displaying honored hallmark stamps before committing into buying them.
Conclusion & Resources for Further Learning
The tanzanite gemstone is an entrancing, purplish-blue crystal. Its polygonal shape displays a unique star-studded design when held up to light. This precious stone is believed to have healing powers because of its origins deep in the ancient soil of Tanzania-one of Earth’s most mysterious and sacred places. Tanzanite jewelry is also revered for its eye-catching beauty, making it a popular addition to many types of jewelry collections.
For those looking to learn more about tanzanite and begin exploring the market themselves, it can be helpful to first understand how this type of gemstone is extracted from the Earth and modernized into artisan pieces. Tanzanite can only be found and mined in Tanzania’s Merelani Hills, an area nestled in the shadows of one of Africa’s largest volcanoes.
Prospectors are required by law to search for these gems carefully, as large swaths of Tanzanian land are environmentally protected against any careless excavation that could destroy ecosystems or disturb indigenous wildlife.
Once these exquisite stones are located through careful prospecting efforts, they must then pass industry standards set forth by the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICGA) before being sold on the market. Each gemstone must go through several inspection processes such as brilliance testing and visual evaluation before being assigned a four C rating (clarity, cut, color, and carat).
This rating system helps purchasers distinguish between various quality levels when selecting their ideal piece for purchase so that they know they’re investing in something beautiful yet reliable.
Fortunately there are numerous online resources available today that specialize in helping consumers select a worthy investment like tanzanite jewelry without compromising on quality or price point. Industry review sites like Angara provide helpful guides on everything from proper measurement conversion to best practices when shopping at jewelry stores or browsing resale options online.
For those looking to use technology wisely in pursuit of the perfect piece, visiting blogs like Top 10 Jewelry Trends can offer inspiring insight into all things related to rings, bracelets necklaces-and yes, even dazzling tanzanite pieces.
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