The Fascinating Odyssey of Tanzanite's Journey into Timeless Jewelry M

Tanzanite: The Hidden Gem

Tanzanite is a 'hidden gem' in the truest sense of the phrase. Tanzanite may not be on par with other gemstones in terms of name recognition and notoriety, but this blue-violet gemstone allows its vibrant color to speak for itself. A variety of the Zoisite family of gemstones, Tanzanite can only be found in the Simanjiro District of the Manyara Region in Tanzania, in a small mining area of only approximately4.3 mi (7km) long and 1.2 mi (2 mi) wide), near the Mererani Hills, not far from Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzanite is known for its trichroism - meaning that it will appear to change color depending on how light hits it, alternating between burgundy, brown and blue. Tanzanite was overlooked and underappreciated for years, but thankfully that is beginning to change. Read on as we explore the fascinating story behind Tanzanite.

Tanzanite Jewelry

'Tanzanite' was entirely unknown to the wider world before the twentieth century. At this time, diamond was THE must-have gem. Other gems had begun to gain popularity for jewelry with the Art Deco movement, but it took some clever promotion to help Tanzanite break into the international market. The credit in this case goes to the marketing department of Tiffany & Co, the famous jewelers who dominated the twentieth-century jewelry industry.
It would take a very special gemstone to break into the already heavily saturated market.

Fortunately for us tanzanite fans, fashion trends began to loosen up, doing away with the refined, elegant, and somewhat stiff look which had characterized the European and American styles. Tastes began to favor bolder colors, dazzling patterns, and incorporation of colored gems to bring vibrancy and dynamism into the post-Great War world, particularly during the interwar period of the Roarin' Twenties.

Blue-Violet Zoisite

While the name 'Blue-Violet Zoisite' may be an accurate description for the gemstone we now know as Tanzanite, Tiffany & Co realized that accuracy alone was not going to increase sales of tanzanite earrings, pendants, rings, and other jewelry. If they were to sell a necklace that would outshine diamonds, they would have to explore all options to bring awareness to this stunning blue-violet gem. In 1968 they launched their new product to the world.

They opted for a total rebrand. They decided to change the name to 'Tanzanite', in honor of the country where blue-violet zoisite was found, Tanzania. It proved to be a shrewd decision, making millions more consumers around the world aware of this beguiling blue gemstone.

Tanzanite shot from relative obscurity to international success. For several decades, Tanzanite mining rights exclusively belonged to Tiffany & Co, though this changed in 1990 when the government divided the tanzanite mines into four different sections. Two of these sections are open to international mining while the remaining two are for domestic/local mining only.

Tanzanite mining has become a big boost for the economy of Tanzania, providing thousands of jobs to locals involved in all stages of gemstone mining. Gems need to be mined, graded by quality, cleaned, weighed, and finally, packaged up for export to international markets.

Tanzanite is roughly 1000 times rarer than diamonds and tanzanite jewelry is rarer still. Tanzanite jewelry is loved all over the world these days and its rapid rise to prominence and superstardom is one of the great success stories of the last century.

December Birthstone

In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association chose Tanzanite as their birthstone for December, their first change in many years. If you intend to buy a present for a loved one whose birthday falls in December, you could choose tanzanite earrings, rings, or other jewelry to send a special message to that person.

As we wrap up, it's hard not to be captivated by the undeniable charm of Tanzanite jewelry. Each piece weaves its own unique story, reflecting the essence of those who wear it. Ready to immerse yourself in a world of brilliant blues and enchanting violets? Discover our beautiful selection of ready-to-wear Tanzanite jewelry right here.

The Fascinating Odyssey of Tanzanite's Journey into Timeless Jewelry Masterpieces