Meet Tanzanite: Affordable Gemstone from the Foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro

Tanzanite rings have become one of the most sought after gemstone rings over a short period of time. It is exclusive and precious, as it is found only in one place in the world. 

If you are looking for a more affordable option for your next gemstone ring, but you especially love the intense blues and pretty purples of sapphire, consider tanzanite rings and jewelry.

Because of its young age as compared to other precious stones, tanzanite is still more affordable than many diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. And if you love the color of sapphire, then tanzanite can be the perfect alternative to your next choice in ring, as the colors are incredibly similar.

Tanzanite rings have become one of the most sought after gemstone rings over a short period of time. It is exclusive and precious, as it is found only in one place in the world. Its velvety appearance and deep colors have attracted millions across the globe.

That is why tanzanite’s specific features have made it highly popular among the young generation in rings categories. Due to the exclusivity and rarity of the gem, tanzanite rings have gained tremendous reverence and demand over other items made from even popular gemstones like the diamond.

Here are the few things about the tanzanite gemstone that you need to know before you make a decision regarding a new ring with tanzanite.

A rare African treasure

In fact, tanzanite—before it was too far into the public eye—was often secretly switched in for sapphire by some irreputable jewelers looking to make some money on gullible and ill-informed customers.

Actually, once it was considered as an alternative to sapphire due to its resemblance to the latter.

Despite being one of the newest gemstones to be added to the official list of stones recognized by the American Gem Trade Association, tanzanite is extremely popular and actually quite rare.

Tanzanite, a recent addition to the world of gemstone, is said to have been discovered in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania, East Africa.

Tanzania is the only place in the world where tanzanites can be found, hence the rarity of this beautiful gemstone. It was first mistaken to be a blue sapphire but later reconsidered, as the properties of tanzanite are more complex than those of sapphire. Also, too many, the color looks more exotic and vibrant.

Tanzanite is the most sought after gemstone after diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. However, it is less expensive than sapphire and it has established itself in the marketplace because of its exotic beauty.

Watch it for clarity

In today’s gems and jewelry markets, tanzanite is one of the top ten best-selling colored gemstones. The popularity of tanzanite rings has increased considerably over the years. It was named the 2nd favorite colored gemstone in the U.S. after sapphire in 2001.

In 2002, tanzanite was included in the list of official birthstones which helps in owning to its rising popularity. It made its place as the birthstone for December along with turquoise and zircon.

Tanzanite is a Type1 gemstone as classified by GIA. This means that they are eye clean--have no inclusions visible to the naked eye. It has an attractive vitreous luster and is often of high clarity.

Eye visible inclusions can decrease the value of the tanzanite. The best quality tanzanite is “clean” and free of visible inclusions of any kind that can be viewed only by a jeweler’s loupe.

A large, clean rough tanzanite is becoming extremely rare, so larger fine gems are rapidly rising in price and decreasing in availability.

Color is the key

The color is the most important factor in determining the value of this gem. Other than color, cut, size, and clarity also has a significant effect on the price.

Tanzanite has a particularly unique and special color quality. It is a versatile gemstone that comes in various sizes and cutting styles. All tanzanite is a mix of blue and violet – and will show the two colors when tilted and rocked. Tanzanite is described as being blue with a violet tint or the other way around.

When examining your new potential gemstone ring, consider that tanzanite appears to be differently colored when viewed from a different crystallographic direction.

It can appear in various shades of blue, purple or even red, depending on its orientation. Generally, the blue is more apparent under fluorescent lights, while the purples are more visible in incandescent light.

The most vivid and deeply saturated colors in tanzanites are highly valued, such as the deep-blue, purplish-blue and violet-blue colors. The size and color of tanzanite gemstones are closely interrelated: larger stones tend to display the deepest colors, while smaller ones are usually pastel colored. Darker, more vivid colors are rarer and more expensive than lighter colors.

We recommend that while purchasing high-quality rings with tanzanites, give preference to the color over the size of the gemstone. Tanzanite is extremely light-sensitive, with incandescent (yellow) lighting tending to shift its color to the violet side.

Be aware that your tanzanite may look completely different inside at night and outside during the daytime.

Cut clean

Tanzanite does occur in reasonably clean crystals. Thus when buying a tanzanite ring, the standard is perfectly “flawless” or eye-clean stones. If you can see any small cracks, crystals or inclusions inside tanzanite with your naked eye, the ring with such stone should sell at a discount.

The form of a gemstone is a very personal choice. Deciding upon the form of your gem is among the crucial elements in finding out the total look of your ring.

Look for stones with well-cut, symmetrical faces. Does the cushion bulge on one side? Is the round actually round? Are the lobes of the heart equally sized? If not, it is up to you to determine how much that will affect your appreciation of the stone in the ring.

Also look out for “windows”: areas in the stone that appear almost white or transparent. This happens when the stone is badly cut, and light leaks through the bottom of the stone instead of bouncing off the facets and back to your eye.

How to wear it

Fashion Strada tanzanite rings come in various vibrant hues of blues and violets ranging from intense to a very pale baby color, making them highly unique and very visible in your hands.

The tanzanite rings pump up your dressing style and take it to an all-new level. They augment the chic quotient of your otherwise normal attire by mixing high-end styling with traditional fashion.

Tanzanite signifies insight, understanding, and sensitivity. A person who wears it exudes confidence and distinct individuality. It is a calming and soothing stone that relieves stress and depression while enhancing composure, poise, and harmony. Tanzanite is also said to transmute negativity.

Tanzanite gemstone jewelry should be worn with care. It may crack if not handled with care. If left out in the sun for long, tanzanites can become pale, so be sure to store your ring out of direct sunlight and avoid extreme heat or steam cleaning.
Just like you, every gemstone is unique. No two are exactly alike and each has a different personality.

The beauty of colored gemstones is like a flower garden with practically endless variety. Therefore, the perfect tanzanite ring for you may not be the one with the most expensive or “flawless” stone – but one that speaks to you and makes your heart sing.