When you’re choosing tanzanite for a jewelry design, it’s easy to get swept away by its color first and rightly so. That deep blue-violet glow is what draws most people in. But selecting the right tanzanite goes beyond beauty alone.

You also need to consider factors like cut, durability, size, and how the stone will be worn. These qualities determine how the finished piece looks and lasts. Whether you’re designing a custom piece or sourcing a gemstone for collection, here’s your tanzanite buying guide.

What Is Tanzanite and Why Jewelry Makers Value It

Tanzanite is a beautiful blue-to-violet stone. It comes only from a small area in Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro. That alone makes it special, but its unique color and optical beauty are what really make tanzanite stand out.

One of the most interesting things about tanzanite is that it can show different colors, like blue, violet, and sometimes burgundy, depending on the angle and light. When cut correctly, this makes for amazing depth and movement, which is why jewelry makers love this stone. 

Here’s what makes this gemstone shine:

• A deep blue gem that looks like a sapphire but is easier to get at a lower price
• It feels softer and more romantic than other blue gemstones.
• When cut well, it shines very brightly, especially in oval, cushion, and pear shapes.

Jewelry designers often use tanzanite for statement rings, pendants, and high-end custom pieces. That’s because it stands out right away and feels exclusive. This makes it a great choice for people who want something elegant and rare, but at a fraction of the cost.

Is Tanzanite Rare and Expensive? Understanding Its Value

Yes, tanzanite is a rare and valuable gemstone. Tanzanite comes from one small mining area, unlike diamonds and sapphires, which are mined in many countries. Thus, there will never be any new natural tanzanite found after those mines are empty. Because of this reason, tanzanite is also called a "one-generation gemstone" as it’s not available in abundance.

Tanzanite is usually less expensive than fine sapphires, but the best ones can still cost a lot of money. So, coming onto how valuable is tanzanite, know that it’s rare in nature and hard to find. This makes it a smart and emotionally rewarding choice for both jewelry makers and gemstone buyers.

At GemstonesforSale, we source tanzanite directly from its original source. Therefore, you would get the best in quality, durability, and clarity.

How Tanzanite Is Graded (Color, Clarity, Cut & Carat)

Knowing how tanzanite is graded will help you understand what you're paying for and what really matters when you buy it. So, let’s explore the factors that play an important role:

Color

The color is the most important thing to look at when grading tanzanite. Most high-quality stones Have a deep, velvety blue color with hints of violet or purple. On the other hand, stones with pale, grayish, or overly purple tones are of lower quality. When buying, look for a stone with a deep, bright color that is evenly spread out. AAA grade tanzanite is the best quality in the trade. It has the best balance of saturation and hue. 

Clarity

Compared to many other colored gemstones, tanzanite is usually very clear. Most high-quality stones are "eye-clean," which means that when you look at them without magnification, you can't see any inclusions. It's normal for small flaws on the inside, but cracks or inclusions that go all the way through the surface should be avoided. 

Cut

The way a tanzanite is cut can have a big effect on how bright and colorful it is. Tanzanite is pleochroic, which means it can show different colors from different angles. Skilled cutters position the stone so that its best blue-violet face-up color is shown. A well-cut tanzanite has balanced proportions with no dark or windowed areas. Shapes like oval, cushion, pear, and emerald are great for getting the most depth and sparkle out of a stone.

Carat

Most buyers often ask: is tanzanite valuable? So, the answer depends on the carat weight. Generally, larger stones are hard to find whereas smaller stones under one carat are easily available. However, the prices go up quickly for stones over three to five carats, especially those with the best color and clarity. Large, bright, and clear tanzanites are very rare, which makes them very valuable.

Own tanzanite jewelry? Protect its beauty and brilliance with expert tips in How to Care for Tanzanite Stones – Complete Guide of Cleaning, Caring and Storing.

What Is the Best Color of Tanzanite?

A deep, bright blue with strong violet undertones is the best and most valuable color of tanzanite. This deep blue-violet mix is what makes tanzanite look unique and different from other blue gems. When you look at high-quality tanzanite from the front, it should look full of color and life, with no dull or faded spots.

Generally, a fine tanzanite gemstone keeps its color depth in both natural and indoor light, but lower-grade stones tend to lose their brightness. It's also important to note that larger tanzanite stones tend to have deeper colors naturally. This is why smaller stones with strong saturation are harder to find and more valuable. 

Tanzanite Cuts Explained – What Works Best for Jewelry

The beauty of tanzanite in jewelry depends on how it is cut. This gemstone naturally shows different colors from different angles. Hence, it needs to be cut by an expert to make sure the stone shows its best blue-violet color. A good cut makes a stone look deeper in color, brighter, and more present, while a bad cut can make even a high-quality stone look dull or lifeless. If you’re wondering what is the best cut for tanzanite, let’s explore the options.

Oval Cut

Tanzanite with an oval cut is a popular choice for jewelry. It makes the stone look bigger than its actual carat weight and brings out its color and brilliance. This cut lets skilled cutters position the stone so that its best blue-violet face-up color shows. Oval cuts are very flexible and look great in rings, pendants, and earrings.

Cushion Cut

A cushion cut tanzanite has a soft, rounded shape. It enhances the vibrancy of the colors. Cushion cuts give tanzanite a rich and luxurious look by balancing brilliance and depth. People like them a lot in statement rings and vintage-style or custom-made jewelry.

Pear Shape

The pear cut tanzanite is both bright and long, making it a stone that feels both dramatic and elegant. When cut this way, tanzanite's unique color play really stands out, and it looks especially good when it moves. Pear-shaped tanzanites are suitable for drop earrings and pendants.

Emerald Cut

Emerald cut tanzanite has a clean, classy look that focuses on color and clarity rather than sparkle. The step-cut facets show off the depth and richness of tanzanite's blue-violet color in a more subtle way. This cut shows inclusions better, so it works best for stones that are clear. Emerald cuts are perfect for people who like modern, simple, or high-end styles.

Round Cut

Round cut tanzanite has symmetry and brilliance. However, it is less common because it loses more rough during cutting, which can raise the price. When cut well, round tanzanite looks great in classic settings like solitaire rings and stud earrings. It never goes out of style.

How Hard Is Tanzanite? Mohs Scale & Wearability

Tanzanite ranks between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means it is softer than sapphires or diamonds, but it can still be worn as jewelry if you take care of it. Tanzanite is tough, but it can get scratched and damaged easily, especially in rings that are worn every day. However, this gemstone can stay beautiful for a long time with careful use and protective settings.

Want to learn more? Read Tanzanite Gemstone: History, Meaning, Properties and Color Guide to explore its origin, symbolism, and stunning color variations.

Tanzanite Price Per Carat Explained

The price of tanzanite can vary a lot based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat size. Out of these, color is the most important factor. Some tanzanites are lighter or pale and cost a few hundred dollars per carat. Others are very dark and vivid blue-violet and cost several thousand dollars per carat. Prices go up quickly as carat weight goes up because larger stones with good color and clarity are hard to find. 

Tanzanites that are well-cut and have no flaws in the eye and weigh between three and five carats are very valuable and in high demand. If you’re wondering what is the price of tanzanite based on carat weight, then let’s explore:

Is Tanzanite a Good Investment Stone?

Tanzanite is considered a collector's stone instead of an investment stone. That’s because it’s a rare and valuable stone, with limited availability. The high-quality stones with deep color, good clarity, and bigger carat weights fetch great value in the long term.

But, like most colored gemstones, you shouldn't buy tanzanite just to sell it quickly or get a guaranteed return. People who buy high-quality tanzanite because of its beauty, rarity, and long-term scarcity tend to get the best results over time.

Can Tanzanite Be Lab Created?

No, it is not possible to make tanzanite in a lab. Natural tanzanite is a type of zoisite mineral, whose synthetic version doesn’t exist in the market. Instead, buyers might find simulants or imitation stones, like cubic zirconia or glass, that only look like tanzanite. Also, almost all natural tanzanite is heat-treated to make its blue-violet color stronger. This is a permanent and widely accepted process that doesn't change the stone's authenticity or value.

Real vs Fake Tanzanite – How to Identify Authentic Stones

Since tanzanite is rare, valuable, and in high demand, there are a lot of fake stones on the market. Many people buy simulants without realizing that they look similar at first but don't have the beauty, durability, or value of real tanzanite. So, how to know if a tanzanite is real? Well, these factors will help you:

Natural Color and Pleochroism 

Pleochroism is one of the easiest ways to tell if a tanzanite is real. When you look at real tanzanite from different angles, you can see that it has different colors, like blue, violet, and sometimes burgundy. On the contrary, fake stones like glass or cubic zirconia usually have one solid color and don't change color.

Clarity and Internal Characteristics

When you look closely at real tanzanite, you can see small natural inclusions, especially in bigger stones. Most of the time, these inclusions are small and don't change the overall beauty. Fake tanzanite made of glass may have bubbles, while synthetic look-alikes may look too perfect or too clean.

Hardness and Wear Behavior

Tanzanite is not as hard as other gemstones, so it’s prone to scratches. A real tanzanite may get some minor surface wear over time, especially if you wear it in rings. On the other hand, fake stones, like cubic zirconia, are harder and may not wear the same way.

Disclosure of Heat Treatment

Most natural tanzanite is heat-treated to make its blue-violet color stronger. This treatment is permanent and accepted by the industry. However, sellers need to be very clear about this process. People often sell fake stones as "natural blue crystals" when they aren't. As a buyer, you should always ask about the stone treatment before making the purchase.

Certifications and Trustworthiness of Sellers

The most reliable way to confirm authenticity is through certification from a recognized gemological laboratory. A genuine tanzanite should come with documentation stating its identity, origin, and treatments. You should always buy from reputable sellers who specialize in colored gemstones and provide clear product details.

Buying Tanzanite for Jewelry Making – What to Look For

When buying tanzanite for jewelry making, you need to consider factors like durability, cut, setting style, and much more. If you're a jeweler, designer, or smart shopper ordering a custom piece, here’s what to look for:

Color: When making jewelry, color should always come first. Tanzanite is known for its deep blue color with violet undertones. When set in metal, it looks great. When mounted, pale stones may not look as good, especially in yellow or white metals. You should choose a darker color to make sure that the gemstone stays the main focus of the design.

Cut Compatibility with Settings: Well-proportioned cuts make the stone look brighter and let light in even after it has been set. Some shapes, like oval and cushion, are more flexible and easier to secure. Others, like pear and emerald cuts, need more precise setting work. Don't buy stones with shallow cuts because they might look dull once they're set.

Clarity and Strength of Structure: When tanzanite is used for daily wear jewelry, clarity is very important. A clean internal structure makes sure that the gemstone can handle the pressure of bezels and prongs without breaking.

Balance of Size and Proportion: When choosing tanzanite for jewelry, you should think about both the size and how well the design works. Larger stones make bold statement pieces, but they need to be set in protective settings. Conversely, smaller stones with bright colors are often better for everyday jewelry and are easier to set securely.

Setting Style: Because tanzanite is not very hard, it is best to opt for protective settings. Bezel, halo, and semi-bezel settings make your jewelry safer and less likely to get damaged by impact. Avoid raised or exposed settings on rings unless you only plan to wear them occasionally.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Tanzanite?

Tanzanite comes in many different qualities and is often copied. That’s why you should prefer sellers that specialize in natural gemstones. They should also reveal all the information regarding the gemstone such as origin, carat weight, color grade, cut, clarity, treatment, and more. At GemstonesforSale, you would find all such information available on our website regarding each stone.

Where can I buy tanzanite: Prefer reputable gemstone dealers, established jewelry suppliers, and specialized online platforms over general marketplaces or big box stores. 

Where to Buy Tanzanite Online Safely

You can make an informed decision by looking at high-quality pictures and videos taken in different lighting conditions. A trustworthy seller will clearly explain the treatments and return/refund policies. When browsing online, avoid listings with vague terms like “AAA look” or “natural blue stone” without supporting details. Also, make sure to compare multiple stones and request a certification of authenticity. You can shop for natural tanzanite stones for sale here.

Choosing the Right Tanzanite for Jewelry Designs

To get the best tanzanite for jewelry, you need to find a balance between beauty, quality, and usefulness. You should focus on a deep blue-violet color, good clarity, and a well-done cut. It makes the gemstone stand out once it's set and keeps its appeal over time. Size should go well with the design, not overpower it, especially since tanzanite is only moderately hard. This gemstone offers both visual impact and lasting value, perhaps you should make the right choice.

FAQs About Buying Tanzanite

Is tanzanite a precious gem?

Tanzanite is not traditionally classified as a precious gemstone. However, it's considered a high-value and collectible gem due to its rarity and limited supply. 

How much is tanzanite worth?

Tanzanite prices range from $200 to $350 per carat. The value depends mainly on color, clarity, size, and cut. Generally, the stones with deep blue color fetch higher prices.

Is tanzanite expensive?

Tanzanite can be affordable or expensive depending on quality. While lighter stones are accessible, richly colored, larger tanzanites are premium gemstones and priced accordingly.

How much is aaa tanzanite per carat?

The cost of AAA-quality tanzanite can go up to $2000 per carat, with higher prices for larger stones. Exceptional color and clarity can push prices even higher.

What is the best quality of tanzanite?

The best tanzanite quality features a deep, vivid blue with violet undertones, eye-clean clarity, and a well-executed cut. These stones are commonly referred to as AAA grade.

How hard is tanzanite on the mohs scale?

Tanzanite measures 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it softer than sapphire or diamond. It is suitable for jewelry but should be worn with care.