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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.
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