Tanzanite

Item Description

Tanzanite according to several sources, is now the most popular colored gemstone in the United States. It is also regarded as the #1 investment gemstone for collectors. The amazing rich blue / purple color combined with the fact that it is only found in one locality in the world, makes it one of the ultimate combinations of rarity and beauty. The Tanzanite mines at Merelani were first discovered in 1968 and the mining is done on a large commercial scale where almost every good piece of Tanzanite can be recovered quickly, faceted at or near the mine site, and shipped throughout the world in finished condition. This kind of control has allowed those who own the mine and the mining operation to keep a tight strangle hold on the global price of Tanzanite. I has been reported that a new grading system will soon be implemented for Tanzanite, making it the very colored stone in history to have specific criteria that will allow gems to be categorized based on their cut, clarity, color, size etc. The ONLY system for grading gems in the world is used for Diamonds, but if faceted Tanzanites is to be held to the same standard, this will only increase the value of these already pricey gems. A few years ago in Tucson, it was said the high retail value of the finest, large, deep blue Tanzanite stones had reached $2000 per carat, and is expected to rise every year herein. It is believed that the supply of Tanzanite at Merelani will last no longer than a few more years, at which point the mining will cease, and no more Tanzanite may ever be mined again. Once the supply is cut off, you can expect that the price of Tanzanite will sky-rocket. This particular stone is an attractive violet color "Round Step" cut gem that is virtually eye-clean in clarity.