Tanzanite Engagement Rings

Tanzanite engagement rings are becoming very popular. It may have something to do with Tiffany's who proclaimed the once-named blue zoisite an exceptional gemstone and renamed it tanzanite soon after its discovery in the 1960s.
The gemstone is only found in one part of the world, mostly near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania which is where the name Tanzanite comes from.

Although tanzanite in its natural form is somewhat reddish brown, finished stones are almost always heat treated in a gemological oven to bring out the desirable blue shades. The process has no effect on the price since it is a universally accepted practice and all tanzanite jewelry is presumed to be heat treated.

The heat treatment eliminates the red hues and brings out that magical blue with violet/purple undertones that makes the gemstone so special, and tanzanite rings and jewelry exceptionally attractive.

The recent interest in tanzanite engagement rings may be part of the trend away from traditional diamond engagement rings. Gemstone rings are becoming increasingly popular and tanzanite, December's birthstone, is no exception. Its qualities make it an ideal choice for those looking for something different.
 

Tanzanite is considered by many to be the most beautiful of blue gemstones. Even a sapphire doesn't quite compete with the intense magical quality of the tanzanite. We likely see more sapphire engagement rings that tanzanite ones due to the hardness of the individual stones.

Tanzanite is softer than a sapphire at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This means that a little more care needs to be given to tanzanite engagement rings than their sapphire counterparts since they can chip more easily.

In terms of price, tanzanite rings can start as low as a couple of hundred dollars and run right up into the tens of thousands. Like all gemstone rings (including diamonds) it all depends on the setting and the quality and size of the stone.

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We suggest that tanzanite engagement rings be set to protect the stone by covering any exposed corners with a metal prong or some form of bezel,  or by 'cushioning' the stone with a surround of metal or other gemstones. This will help prevent any nicks and scratches and generally protect the stone from damage.

Like all other colored gemstones, the standard for tanzanite in terms of clarity is eye-clean—meaning it appears clear of any inclusions to the naked eye and is not measure by a diamond clarity scale.

Light has an interesting effect on tanzanite. It is extremely light sensitive which means it will look different under different light and incandescent light will often bring out the violet undertones. Top quality tanzanite will be intense blue under any light.

Tanzanites come in just about every shape these days. From ovals to princess cut,  emerald cuts, trillions, and everything in between, choosing the shape of stone is really about personal preference.

Part of the cachet of tanzanite rings is the exclusivity. Since tanzanite only comes from one part of the world it is considered one of the rarer gemstones and that appeals to all of us who like to have things that most people don't have.

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