Frequently Asked
Tanzanite Rings FAQ
What is tanzanite and where does it come from?
Tanzanite is the blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, and it comes from a single place on earth, the Merelani hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. It was only discovered in the 1960s, and because it is mined in just one small deposit, it is genuinely rare. Every stone in this collection is a natural tanzanite.
Is tanzanite treated?
Almost certainly, and we tell you so. Nearly all tanzanite starts as a brownish rough crystal and is gently heated to bring out its blue-violet. The treatment is standard across the whole industry, it is permanent, it does not fade, and the colour will not wash out. We would rather name the step than imply your tanzanite is untouched.
Why does tanzanite change colour when I move it?
That colour shift is natural and it is one of the best things about the stone. Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic, which means it shows different colours from different angles, usually a blue one way and a violet, sometimes a hint of burgundy, another. It is the same stone all the way through, not separate varieties, and the cutter chooses how much blue or violet to bring out.
Is tanzanite natural or lab grown?
It is natural. There is no lab grown tanzanite made for the trade, so every tanzanite in this collection is a genuine, earth-mined stone that has been heated for colour. We do not sell imitation, glass or simulant here, and any imitation tanzanite is left out.
How durable is a tanzanite ring for daily wear?
Tanzanite is soft for a ring stone, 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and it has a perfect cleavage plane, which means a sharp knock in the wrong spot can chip or split it. It is the most delicate stone we set. That is why we build these rings into bezel, halo, channel, cluster and three-stone settings that shelter the gem, and why we suggest treating it as a special-occasion or careful everyday ring rather than one you never take off.
How do I care for a tanzanite ring?
Clean it with warm water, a little mild soap and a soft brush, and never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, which can find the cleavage in a soft, brittle stone. Take the ring off for the gym, the garden, cleaning and any rough work, and store it apart from harder stones so nothing scratches it. Have the setting checked once a year.
Is this an engagement ring?
No. These are fashion rings, made for the right hand, a stack or a self purchase rather than a proposal. Because tanzanite is soft and cleaves more easily than a diamond or sapphire, we build it for cocktail and careful everyday wear rather than as a daily bridal center. Wear it however you like.
What carats and metals can I choose?
Each ring offers a range of center carats, usually from about three quarters of a carat up toward one and three quarters, and your choice of 14K or 18K white, yellow or rose gold, or platinum. Pick the carat and the metal on the product page and we set and size the ring to order.
Does the tanzanite come with a certificate?
These calibrated tanzanite ship without an individual lab report. We hand select every stone for even blue-violet colour and a clean face. If you would like a certified stone or a larger center, our concierge can source and quote one honestly.
Why is tanzanite a December birthstone?
Tanzanite is one of the modern December birthstones, alongside blue topaz and turquoise, chosen for its cool blue-violet colour. That makes one of these rings an easy, personal gift for a December birthday, or simply a treat for yourself.