Monday, 17 December 2018

December Birthstone - Tanzanite

20 years ago the Mirerani quarries, located in Simanjiro District of Manyara Region used to produce large amounts of tanzanite. Tanzanite production has been drastically dropping, and like every other single source gemstone ever known the deposit is being depleted.

Its called a single-generation stone.
There seems to be no end in demand as it has become a favorite of many fashion forward jewelry designers. It has become popular as an engagement stone, and in China, the driver for many gemstone prices.

The price of high quality material has started to rise as the Tanzanian government attempts to stop smuggling out of the mining area and the country. Much of the rough was smuggled into neighboring Kenya and exported mostly to India for cutting.
The current price and value for tanzanite changes based on weight. Tanzanite showing a noticeable green component will be worth much less. For richly colored AAA tanzanite, 1ct is about $300-$425 per carat. 2ct sizes reach $450-$650 per carat. 3 carats and up will reach $650-$750 per carat.

Tanzanite in the highest grades is a very good investment stone.