What You Need to Know Before Selling Tanzanite Jewelry

As the stone’s name suggests, tanzanite has been found in just one part of the world to date: Tanzania. The deposits lie in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the entire mining area is minuscule at just about five square miles in overall size.

Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite, and at first sight, it is a reddish-brown to greenish to reddish-yellow color. Only after being heated to 600 degrees Celsius do the stones take on the royal blue to violet hues they are prized for.

Tanzanite has existed within the earth’s mantle for millions of years, but the gem was only discovered in 1967, making it among the newest to gain popularity. Emmanuel Merishiek Mollel is credited with its discovery; he was a tailor who prospected for gold in his spare time. When he first spotted what later became known as tanzanite, he thought it might be peridot but quickly discovered that the gems he found atop a ridge were something completely different.

Tiffany & Co Renamed Tanzanite

After scientists began calling the new discover “blue zoisite” Tiffany & Company renamed it and marketed it heavily, famously stating that tanzanite could be found in only two places: Tanzania and Tiffany’s.

Each stone’s price greatly depends on its size and quality. Low-grade tanzanite can be had for less than $200 per carat, while richly colored tanzanite in sizes between 3 and 5 carats usually goes for no less than $500 per carat. Exceptional examples of any size are typically priced at $1000 per carat or more.

Tanzanite Can Show Different Colors

This gemstone is pleochroic, which means that it has the ability to show different colors when tilted. Depending on the crystal direction, tanzanite can be more violetish blue or purplish. In many cases, its color looks similar to a sapphire color.

Lab created tanzanite is available and is sometimes marketed as true tanzanite by unscrupulous dealers. It is almost impossible for a layperson to tell the difference between real tanzanite and a well-manufactured fake. If you are hoping to buy or sell tanzanite or tanzanite jewelry, it is very important that you work with a professional unbiased appraiser. This is the best way to ensure that you get as much as possible for your item.

Top quality tanzanite is incredibly rare, but it is used in all kinds of modern jewelry including necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings, and charms, as well as cufflinks and shirt studs. Designer pieces containing mixed stones including tanzanite are also popular, and statement pieces are in high demand.

Recent Gemstone Jewelry Deals:

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If you sell tanzanite, these tips can help you get the highest price for your gems. At Worthy, our expert appraisals, descriptions, and photography set the standard for reselling diamonds and jewelry. On our innovative live online auction platform, our network of thousands of professional buyers around the world compete to buy your diamonds and jewelry at the highest price. Because we receive a small percentage of the sales price, we are on your side: we profit only when you do too, unlike jewelry buyers who try to acquire your item for the lowest possible price so they can profit more. Although Worthy is not currently selling tanzanite, you can subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when we begin selling gemstones online.