Tanzanite (ex Marvin Rockey estate)

Item Description

Tanzanite is undoubtedly the most popular colored gemstone in the United States, and the #1 investment gemstone for collectors and dealers alike. The amazing rich blue and purple colors 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 operation in general to keep a tight strangle hold on the global price of Tanzanite. It has been reported that a new grading system will soon be implemented for Tanzanite, making it the very first 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. In Tucson, it was said the high retail value of the finest, large, deep blue Tanzanite stones has now 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 10 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 a VVS clarity, "Round" cut gem with a beautiful saturated purple-blue color. A fantastic gem for a collector or a wonderful piece of jewelry. Valued at $1,728.00 retail. This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.