TANZANITE

Color is the most important factor when considering the value of tanzanite. Tanzanite's finest color is usually strong blue as seen in daylight. Very light or dark shades are usually less valuable, but not necessarily less appealing. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and color preferences are subjective.

Of course, clarity, cut and carat weight factor into the cost of a gem. A fine tanzanite is usually eye clean with very high clarity under magnification (few inclusions). Tanzanite prices fluctuate based on its erratic production (it's about 20%-40% less per carat than sapphire). Tanzania's mining industry presently lacks the sophisticated equipment and financing it needs to upgrade operations and increase production to meet the enormous demand for tanzanite.

Tanzanite rarely occurs as a blue stone in nature, but more often as golden brown. A majority of tanzanite on the market is heated to enhance its color to a vivid violet blue. The result of this enhancement method is permanent and stable. In recent years, tanzanite simulants have entered the market (such as violet-blue synthetic sapphire), but no synthetic tanzanite (mimicking its natural counterpart in chemical composition) has been introduced thus far.

My Jewelz only sells top-quality tanzanites that are natural in color or have been heat-treated in a very stable process that cannot be detected. Only tanzanites with exceptional color are chosen for our Gem Store.
 

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