The deep violet blue or bluish violet colour of Tanzanite has captured the hearts of jewellery buyers here in Africa and worldwide.

Tanzanite is the blue violet variety of the mineral Zoisite. It was given the name by the famous jewellery company Tiffany and Co. who saw the enormous potential in the gem.
The fabulous colour has encouraged jewellers to use the gem in settings for earrings, pendants and rings and belly rings.

Looking to perhaps buy Tanzanite but unsure what to look for? Been out and had a look but find the terminology confusing? Here are the facts:

The price you pay is determined by the combination of the size i.e. the weight of the gem which is expressed in carats, the colour, the clarity and finally the cut and proportions of the gem.

Colour: - the most important factor to consider when purchasing Tanzanite. The deeper the colour the better and Tanzanite exhibits a dominant colour of either violet or blue. The seems to be many more stones with the violet as the dominant colour so you may find that you will pay a slight premium for the stone that has blue as the dominant colour. You will also find that the larger the stone, the deeper the colour.

Clarity: - the presence of natural imperfections in or on the surface of the gem. Almost all gems have imperfections to a greater or lesser degree and in many cases these imperfections are used as identifying characteristics. The amount of imperfection will affect the price but not to the same degree as the colour.

Cut and proportions: - Gems are cut and fashioned to maximise the brilliance and colour of the stone. The manner in which light travels through gems together with the physical proportions, placing and angles of the facets will affect how we see the gem and it's colour and if not within accepted standards may also make the gem extremely difficult to have set.

Gemmological laboratories and registered gemmologists do issue grading certificates for Tanzanite and it is recommended that you ask for a certificate when considering a stone as the certificate will give you the qualities of the particular stone and its measure to accepted grading standards.

DO"S and DON'T with Tanzanite.
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gem and therefore scratches fairly easily. It is best suited to pendants and earrings. Sure it can be set in a ring and worn but best as a "dress" ring and not for everyday wear. Always put the jewellery piece away in its own individual bag as the settings themselves can scratch the gem if not handled carefully.

Never clean the gem in hot water, acid or any type of corrosive cleaning agent.
If you need to have the setting checked and you should have it checked once a year, go to a reputable jeweller who can advise you on the condition of the stone itself and the setting.