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Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rich blue-violet colored gemstone from Tanzania and one of December’s birthstones. We have many loose tanzanite gemstones for collectors to pick from or for a unique piece of jewelry designed and made in our workshop. We also have ear studs to match this pendant.

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Tanzanite

Poised between lush blue, vibrant violet, and rich purple, exotic tanzanite is found in only one place on earth, near majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

We have an extensive collection of loose tanzanite gemstones, precisely cut by a local Berkshire lapidary. The selection includes gems of all sizes and shapes. Come to our gallery or shop online for tanzanite.

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Tanzanite and Zircon are December’s Birthstones

December has two birthstones, Tanzanite and Zircon. First, let’s delve briefly into Tanzanite’s background.

Tiffany & Co. introduced Tanzanite to the market in 1968 naming it after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered. Tiffany’s marketing department created the gemstone’s name after deciding that its scientific name, blue-violet zoisite, was too hard for consumers to remember.

Tanzanite is noted for its remarkably strong trichroism (a chemical structure causing a double refraction when white light passes through) that leads to it appearing alternatively blue, violet and burgundy. Blue will be more evident when the gemstone is viewed under fluorescent light; violet hues will be more evident when viewed under incandescent light.

Tanzanite’s hardness registers 6.5 on the Moh’s Scale. The gemstone is safest set in pendants and earrings. Expect the gemstone to show wear if you set it into a frequently worn ring.

Zircon, December’s second birthstone, is one of my favorites appearing frequently in my custom designs. Its numerous colors – reddish brown, yellow, green, blue, gray, peach, orange, red, pale brown and colorless – inspire my creativity. I equally appreciate the gemstone’s high refractive index making it similar to a diamond. Also, its strong luster and intense fire give it a flash comparable with a diamond.

Zircon’s hardness (7.5 on the Moh’s Scale) attests to its durability so it can be set into any piece of jewelry. It is mined in Tanzania and Cambodia.

Aside from loose Zircon and Tanzanite (both of which hold their value) our gallery and online store offer many finished pieces for purchase. The jewelry and gemstones are priced well for first time investors in fine jewlery.