A Buying Guide for Tanzanite Rings | 2021 -12 Unique Engagement Rings to Envy

What is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite, the December’s birthstone, is a stunning and highly famed semi-precious stone. It is actually the Zoisite mineral’s purple-blue variety which is found in the Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The gemstone is named after Tanzania where it is found. Tanzanite is a rare gemstone with several positive qualities. If you are looking for a birthday gift this December, then tanzanite rings can be an excellent choice

After all, Tanzanite is also a popular choice for engagement rings. But before you buy a tanzanite ring, you must go through this important buying guide. This will help you evaluate the quality of this remarkable gemstone.

What is the value of tanzanite?

AAA+ is Exceptional Color ~ AAA is Vivid Color ~ AAA/AA is Intense Color ~ AA is Moderate Color ~ A is Light Color

Tips to Evaluate and Choose right Tanzanite Rings

When buying a tanzanite gemstone ring, there are some important factors to consider in order to know the true value of the stone. Here are those important factors that you must keep in mind:

Color

Tanzanite with darker and more vivid color tones is always more expensive and rarer than the lighter color stones. The color and size of this stone are very interrelated. The smaller stones are normally pastel colored, while the larger stones usually show deepest colors.

The gemstone value decreases as the level of saturation decrease. A small size tanzanite is normally lighter when compared to the large size tanzanite. You will hardly find an extremely dark tanzanite that is less than 3 carats.

Tanzanite stone is a combination of violet and blue and the stone will display these two colors when it is rocked and tilted. Tanzanite is usually blue with little violet tint or violent with slightly blue tint. Both will have the same value regardless of violet or blue dominance. Pastel colored tanzanite gemstone is common so it is more affordable than the more intensely colored or vivid stone. However, tanzanite is still rare regardless its color form.

Clarity

Clarity is important when buying tanzanite rings. Normally, this December’s gemstone is found in clean crystals. When buying, you should make sure that the tanzanite is eye-clean or “flawless”. If you see any inclusions, crystals, or cracks inside the stone, then understand that it must be available at a discounted price.

Cut

The cut of the tanzanite should be a ‘symmetrical face’. Make sure that the cushion is bulged on one side and the heart’s lobes are of equal size. You also need to confirm that the stone is perfectly rounded. If any of these qualities is missing, then the price of the stone should be less. Also, you need to consider on what aspect you are willing to compromise.

There is a term called ‘windows’ which is used to describe transparent or white spots in the gemstone. Windows in a tanzanite occur because of a bad cut. If a window is present in the stone, then light will pass through the stone’s bottom rather than bouncing back the facets. This also decreases the worth of the stone.

Lighting

Tanzanite stone is highly light-sensitive. Yellow (incandescent) lighting tends to shift the color to violet side. You should know that the look of your tanzanite stone may look entirely different in the daytime (outside) and at night (inside). This thing is completely natural and an important factor in determining original tanzanite.

Carat Weight and “Look”

The carat weight of tanzanite may not precisely reflect its actual size. There is no surprise in having two different color stones wit same carat weight looking entirely different in sizes. Carat weight of a colored stone may change with variation in the proportion of the stone. Therefore, the right approach to evaluate the actual size of the tanzanite is to look at its ‘face-up’. Or, you can also take diameter dimensions of width and length.

For a round, one-carat tanzanite, the measurements will usually be from 5.00 – 6.00mm in the diameter. In the meantime, a 1 carat rounded diamond will normally measure 6.5mm. Therefore, you should pay attention to the carat weight and look of the stone when shopping.

Proportions

Tanzanite stone is usually cut more intensely underneath as compared to the other gemstones. But, you need to be cautious of the stone with extremely deep “pavilion” or bottom. When the stone weight is more the cost will also be more as compared to the other stone with shallower cut and light carat weight.

Enhancements

Nearly all tanzanite stones are heat treated – to enhance the stone color. Remember that such enhancements do not have any impact on the price of the gemstone. In fact, every single finished gemstone across the world is assumed as a heat treated gem.

Unheated Tanzanite Gemstone

Some people get impressed by the ideas such as “unheated tanzanite”, when buying tanzanite rings. Actually, there are some retailers who advertise their product as “Unheated Tanzanite” and sell them at a higher price. However, there is currently no scientific evidence in favor of this claim.

Grading Scales

Currently, there is no quality grading scale for the tanzanite, or even for any other type of colored stones. Diamond is the only gemstone that has a standard grading system across the world. Because of this, there are several confusing terms used over the internet for describing tanzanite. Most of them are truly based on the personal education, opinion, and commercial objectives of the author. Due to this, you need to find a highly reputed and trusted source to buy tanzanite.

AAA+ and D Block Tanzanite: These are the two common phrases used by the online sellers to convey superior quality and high value. In reality, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that supports these phrases.

Durability

Every gemstone has a weak spot and so does tanzanite. Unfortunately, the hardness of this gem is 6.5 to 7 on the scale of Mohs. Therefore, this stone is not extremely hard that makes it prone to scratches. Durability is the weak point of this stone, so you must inspect the stone surface before you buy.

Look for any nicks, cracks, chips or any such surface flaws. Tanzanite stone is comparatively brittle and might not be the right choice for those who want to wear it every day.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Tanzanite is an elegant, but brittle gemstone, so the care and maintenance becomes vital. You should wear it with care. To wash your tanzanite rings or jewelry, use a mild soap and soft bristle brush and clean with warm water.

After cleaning, let it air-dry or use a soft towel to dry. Ultrasonic cleaning of tanzanite jewelry is strictly prohibited because this will produce cracks. Exposure to the sun for a long time will make tanzanite become pale. So, always store your jewelry somewhere where there is no direct sunlight. Steam cleaning or exposure to extreme heat also damages tanzanite stone.

For More Engagement Rings, Visit our Website.