Tanzanite, the birthstone for December

Tanzanite, the birthstone for December. Round brilliant cut Tanzanite the birthstone for December

The tanzanite is a rare and beautiful gemstone highly coveted by collectors.  It is a form of blue zoisite (no, we don’t expect you to remember that) and when it was first discovered this is what it was called, but those clever people at Tiffany & Co had other ideas, believing that naming it Tanzanite would generate more interest in the gemstone.  Why?

Well, that’s because this stunning violet blue gemstone is found in only one place on our planet, the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.

First discovered in 1967, its only known source in the world is a 5-km strip of land near Mount Kilimanjaro, in northern Tanzania. This single, limited source renders tanzanite at least 1000 times rarer than diamonds.  Gulp!

Because of their limited availability and dazzling shade, untreated tanzanites are understandably expensive and so attract the attentions of gemstone collectors as well as jewellers and seekers of the unusual and uncommon.  It was discovered however that heat treating some some naturally brown or green zoisite could change its colour into the beautiful blue hued tanzanite.  Heat treated stones have a lower value than the natural gems

For those who subscribe to crystal healing beliefs, is thought to inspire compassion, to encourage a sense of calm and to facilitate communication and problem solving. In traditional Hindu beliefs, tanzanite is associated with the throat chakra, the brow chakra and the crown chakra.   The colour of tanzanite ties it to loyalty, faith, sincerity and respect. According to Chinese feng shui, blue tanzanite carries water energy whilst violet tanzanite carries fire energy.

In Africa, these fabulous blue gemstones are said to bring luck.  The Masai tribespeople say they bring good fortune to those who wear them.  For those couples seeking a really unusual engagement ring, this dazzling stone offers something that the more usual diamond cannot – rarity value, bestowing on its owner the aura of unconventional elegance and style.

 

Collector’s Stones

01103411 18W Tourmaline & Diamond Vintage Ring 2 LRWhat Are Collector’s Stones?

Gemstones, whether precious or semi-precious, are a thing of beauty and as such have become collectable in their own right – and when beauty and rarity combine then they become a valuable investment for your future, or that of your loved ones.

Which Gemstones should you collect?

The ‘Big Four’ – Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire – are of course valued in terms of the 4 Cs: Carat weight, Colour, Cut and Clarity.  However, while the Big Four are well-known investment stones, you should most certainly not ignore gemstones with which you are less familiar and where bigger does not always mean better.

Most collectors, and indeed dealers, will tell you that they fall for the stones with greatest beauty, rarity or both.  A red spinel, a crystal opal, a deep blue tanzanite – all these can set the heart racing.

Some collectors work to a theme – one of each birthstone, blue stones, Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds, etc. Another approach might be to collect a full rainbow of gems of one type, such as tourmaline, sapphire or diamond.  Mother Nature is a wondrous lady, and the possibilities are endless!

Where Do You Start?

With a conversation with Christopher Evans.