What to Know When Buying Tanzanite
Maybe diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but don’t you ever get tired of the same plain-looking jewelry? It is about time to find a statement piece that has everyone talking. If you are nodding your head in agreement, you have come to the right place.
(Photo: Sara K. Graves/Pixabay)
Tanzanite jewelry is an extremely rare blue-purple gemstone found in the Mt. Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. Its gorgeous color makes it unlike any other stone you have seen at the jeweler, and it is surprisingly affordable. But before you invest in your next new favorite piece of jewelry, read this quick buying guide.
What is tanzanite jewelry?
While tanzanite may have formed over 500 million years ago, it only started appearing in jewelry in the 1960s. These rare blue gems are named after where they are mined, which is in Tanzania. This is the world’s only source for this rare treasure.
Like other gems and stones, tanzanite is rated by the four Cs — color, clarity, cut and carat.
Color describes the richness of the blue. The deeper blue-violet gems are more valuable than those with softened or dusky tones. Tanzanite is also unique because the color can appear differently at various angles and when exposed to different amounts of light.
Clarity is based on the number of flaws in the stone. These are sometimes difficult to detect by the human eye, but an experienced jeweler will be able to tell you more.
Cut refers to the overall shape of the stone. Depending on the piece of jewelry, the gem may be cut to a certain precise shape which ultimately can impact the color and clarity as well.
Carat is the weight of the stone. The higher the number of carats the more expensive the piece will be. For tanzanite jewelry, five carats is fairly standard.
Buying tanzanite jewelry
Beyond the four Cs, there are a few other helpful tips when buying tanzanite jewelry. First, it is not the most durable gem. So it is not ideal for daily use rings, earrings or broaches because it will weaken over time. If you are going to wear tanzanite as a ring, choose a low setting to protect the stone.
You should always confirm that the gem came from Tanzania. Because if it didn’t, it is probably an imitation stone.
To clean the stone you can use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid steam cleaners or harsh chemicals.
Look here to find a variety of gorgeous tanzanite stones that you can purchase today!
Don’t fit in, stand out
If you are ready to add a unique piece of jewelry to your collection, now is the time to try tanzanite. For an affordable price, you can buy tanzanite stones or tanzanite jewelry. Remember to look at color, clarity, cut and carat, and always ask about return policies if you are not satisfied.
Take a risk with this majestic, bold gem in your next jewelry purchase. You won’t be disappointed.
Article written by Jane Davies.
