TANZANITE
Color
is the most important factor when considering the value of tanzanite.
Tanzanite's finest color is usually strong blue as seen in daylight.
Very light or dark shades are usually less valuable, but not necessarily
less appealing. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and color
preferences are subjective.
Of
course, clarity, cut and carat weight factor into the cost of
a gem. A fine tanzanite is usually eye clean with very high clarity
under magnification (few inclusions). Tanzanite prices fluctuate
based on its erratic production (it's about 20%-40% less per carat
than sapphire). Tanzania's mining industry presently lacks the
sophisticated equipment and financing it needs to upgrade operations
and increase production to meet the enormous demand for tanzanite.
Tanzanite
rarely occurs as a blue stone in nature, but more often as golden
brown. A majority of tanzanite on the market is heated to enhance
its color to a vivid violet blue. The result of this enhancement
method is permanent and stable. In recent years, tanzanite simulants
have entered the market (such as violet-blue synthetic sapphire),
but no synthetic tanzanite (mimicking its natural counterpart
in chemical composition) has been introduced thus far.
My
Jewelz only sells top-quality tanzanites that are natural in color
or have been heat-treated in a very stable process that cannot
be detected. Only tanzanites with exceptional color are chosen
for our Gem Store.
