In the world of rare gemstones, Tanzanites have their own tier. They are quite unparalleled when it comes to beauty and allure and thus, have gained massive popularity due to their mesmerizing charm and uniqueness. Discovered only in the country Tanzania in East Africa, its rare violet-blue color makes it extremely prized and sought after by jewelry shoppers and enthusiasts alike. This guide is going to take you through the journey of purchasing tanzanite jewelry, to truly comprehend the important factors that define its authenticity, quality and value which is crucial in ensuring you make a rewarding purchase. Let’s dive in.
Color Saturation and Unique Color
One of the first things that distinguishes the tanzanite from other gemstones is its color and therein lies its allure. This color spectrum ranges from vivid blues to intense violet shades that are simply mesmerizing. The color saturation is a very important factor to consider when evaluating a tanzanite for purchase. A tanzanite stone which exhibits vivid, saturated colors will fetch a higher value and is prized for its color intensity and impact visually. Tanzanite’s distinct pleochroism- do not be alarmed, this is simply the natural phenomenon where gemstones showcase different colors when they are viewed from various angles. So when it comes to tanzanites, pleochroism is where the stone displays different shades and hues of violet or blue. This however depends on the angle of the person observing and the direction of light. This feature adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the tanzanite, making it look dynamic and eye-catching.
Back to assessing - for color. When evaluating a tanzanite, take the time to look for stones with rich, intense hues that showcase exceptional saturation within the gemstone. You want to avoid gemstones with color zoning (this is where some areas with lighter or darker colors are visible) because this can negatively affect the overall beauty of the stone. Go for tanzanites with uniform coloration, where the unique violet-blue shade is shown to the fullest capacity.
Clarity Grade and Cut Quality
As well as color, the clarity and cut quality also impact the general appeal of the tanzanite. Let’s explain what these words mean. First off, clarity is simply the presence or absence of internal flaws or imperfections in a gemstone. These imperfections are known as inclusions. A higher clarity grade means better brilliance and transparency even though tanzanite is commonly free from noticeable inclusions to the naked eye at least. The clarity grades of tanzanite are “slightly included” to “included” for those with minimal imperfections to “eye-clean” for stones that have no visible inclusions.
Look out for well-cut stones as well, as this affects its sparkle and light performance as well. The cut of a gemstone is how well it is shaped by a skilled craftsman. A well-cut stone with correct proportions will showcase great fire and brilliance.
Carat Weight and Pricing Factors
The carat weight of a gemstone is quite simply how much it weighs or its size. Gemstones are measured in carats, with 1 carat being equal to 200mg, roughly the size of an aspirin tablet. The carat weight of a tanzanite directly influences its price. With smaller stones fetching considerably less, larger tanzanites which are on the rarer side, will command heftier prices per carat in comparison. There are however, other factors such as cut quality, clarity and as previously discussed, intensity of color that also affect the pricing of a tanzanite. Very vivid and well-cut stones by expert artisans are very highly valued and will fetch premium prices because they are rare and visually stunning.
So, if you consider tanzanite jewelry, strike a perfect balance between quality factors and carat weight to ensure you do get the best value for your money. Go for a stone that gives you a perfect combination of good color, size and clarity to truly reflect your budget and your tastes as well. Also bear in mind that the pricing of a tanzanite piece can still vary based on market demand based on trends, features of the gemstone and supply availability (this is very important). It is absolutely crucial therefore, to compare and weigh options to make a truly informed decision.
Durability Consideration and Mohs Hardness
As beautiful as the tanzanite is, its appeal doesn’t stop there. A crucial factor in the allure of any gemstone for jewelry shoppers is its durability. You want to make sure you aren’t just making a purchase, but a wise investment by considering its durability for long-term use. Now the tanzanite stone ranks between 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The Mohs hardness scale is a system used to measure the hardness of substances. With this hardness range, that puts it just under tourmalines and above opals. So it is not a super durable gemstone with incredible hardness but neither is it extremely soft and delicate. Like all gemstones, the tanzanite requires proper maintenance to avoid damage, color fading and general deterioration over time. Store your tanzanite jewelry properly by separating it from your other pieces of jewelry to prevent scratches.
To also ensure you keep your tanzanite jewelry for a long time, do not and this is very crucial, expose it to harsh abrasives or chemicals or any sudden changes in temperature.
Follow the recommended practices of care like periodically cleaning your jewelry with a soft brush and mild soap or detergent and take for regular checks by a credible and professional jeweler. All these steps will ensure the luster of the tanzanite is preserved and maintained for generations, allowing you to cherish it for years and years.
Ethical Sourcing and Certification Authenticity
During the purchasing process for your tanzanite jewelry, look out specifically for ethically sourced gemstones from credible dealers and suppliers. Why is this necessary? This ensures that the tanzanite you are about to purchase was sourced responsibly and that the company respects and abides by labor and environmental standards. This way, you can rest assured you are not contributing to environmentally harmful and unethical practices. Look out for certifications, documentation and authenticity reports from credible and renowned gemological laboratories such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS (American Gem Society) or the AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Studies) to authenticate the quality and sourcing of the gemstone.
These documentations and certifications give comprehensive information about the origin of the stone, its unique characteristics and very importantly, any treatments or enhancements it may have undergone. The transparency in disclosing enhancements such as heat treatments used to upgrade the color and clarity not only allows buyers to make educated decisions about their purchase, but also solidifies trust between jewelers and buyers. This ensures the integrity of your purchase.
Jewelry Setting and Design Consideration
After considering all the factors above and finally selecting your treasured tanzanite, you now ought to factor the design and setting of the jewelry piece as this plays an important aspect in the showcasing of the true beauty of the stone. Go through a host of settings, from detailed three-stones to delicate halos to the traditional solitaire and even charming pendant necklaces. Consider the type of metal, from the classic gold which offers you a range of tones: yellow, rose and white to the durable platinum to the affordable yet sparkly sterling silver, take each of these into account and select the one that fits your taste and budget. Remember, the goal here is to create a truly harmonious piece that will complement the gemstone and speak to you as well.
You are also invited to personalize your tanzanite jewelry through customization options that allow you to incorporate unique touches that align with your style and person. If you opt for an enduring and timeless design or a chic, contemporary aesthetic, choose a setting that accentuates the brilliance of the tanzanite. It has got plenty of sparkle to spare! Work closely with experienced jewelry designers that can truly understand your vision and bring it to life.
Color Zoning and Treatment Disclosure
Color zoning is simply an uneven distribution of color within a gemstone and this can particularly affect the beauty of a tanzanite. Pronounced, noticeable color zoning can detract from its allure while a tanzanite will exceptional clarity and uniform color is highly desirable in the gemstone market. While selecting the stone, examine the tanzanite closely to notice any color zoning patterns and choose more favorably colored stones.
As previously explained, tanzanites sometimes go through artificial treatments to improve their look. Simply inquire about those from your jeweler to ensure you are informed of the true value of your purchase.
Why Choose Us
We at Saratti are incredibly passionate about handcrafting exquisite, one-of-a-kind tanzanite jewelry that truly showcases the innate beauty, rarity and overall charm of this priceless gemstone. With our dedication to ethical sourcing, world-class craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, relax and let us take down a hassle-free, seamless shopping experience that will simply blow you away with a jewelry piece you can treasure for many years to come. We firmly believe everyone should be able to bask in the charm of rare gemstones such as these and with our dedicated bespoke experience coordinators, you will be guided through every step of the way to create a piece that will be yours and yours truly. With secure shipping and lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects, you are undoubtedly making a smart and wise investment by trusting us with your jewelry needs. Choose Saratti today and enjoy a rewarding tanzanite purchasing/bespoke jewelry experience.