In a world fascinated with gemstones since the ancient ages, tanzanite is a relatively new addition to the sparkling list of diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and what not! Yet this exquisite stone has carved a place in the hearts of fashionistas and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
Tanzanite didn’t mark its entry into the commercial world of gemstones until the late 1960s. But within this short time, it has become one of the most popular blue gemstones. So much so that the American Gem Trade Association declared tanzanite a December birthstone in 2002.
Interestingly, tanzanite draws its name from Tanzania, the only country on Earth where it can be found. Thanks to its exquisite beauty and rarity, tanzanite finds its place among the most precious gemstones today. No wonder, then, tanzanite jewelry is in high demand in the jewelry world.
Are you wondering about the cost of tanzanite jewelry and its value in the market? Here’s all that you need to know about this treasurable gemstone and its value.
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Factors That Determine the Value of Tanzanite
Scientifically, tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and features splendid blue and violet hues. While color is one of the most significant factors that distinguish this gemstone, its value is impacted by other aspects as well.
As is the case with other gemstones, the quality of tanzanite is also determined by the 4 C’s: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Each of these factors plays a part in the market price of this gemstone.
- Color
Tanzanite occurs in nature in hues of blue, violet, and burgundy. It is a gemstone celebrated for its remarkably strong pleochroism. This means its color saturation changes depending on the angle at which you view it.
It is the varied color saturation as well as the physical property of pleochroism that makes this gemstone an owner’s delight. Natural deep blue tanzanites are amongst the most valued due to their rarity. Paler hues are more available and hence, more affordable in comparison to saturated ones.
For instance, if you opt for an intense blue tanzanite pendant, it will cost you much more than one with pale violet hues.
- Clarity
When it comes to clarity, tanzanite gemstones occur in completely flawless to heavily included forms. Typically, flawless tanzanites are considered to be of the top grade as far as clarity is concerned. Easily visible inclusions in tanzanites decrease their value, particularly in lighter-hued stones.
- Cut
While you can get tanzanite gemstones cut in a wide range of shapes, the cushion and oval cuts are most common. The round or round brilliant is another cut often used in tanzanite stud earrings and other jewelry due to its popularity.
- Carat Weight
Tanzanite shows less saturated color in smaller sizes. That is why the value of this gemstone increases with the increase in its size. Larger tanzanite crystals with saturated colors and flawless clarity are hard to come across, making them all the more priceless. Tanzanite with a 50-carat weight or more is very rare.
Price and Value Of Tanzanite
The value of tanzanite heavily depends on its quality. High-grade rare tanzanite has a much higher value than medium and lower-grade specimens.
As a result, high-grade tanzanite translates into a higher price. Normally, the price range of this gemstone varies significantly depending on its quality. The prices may range from $50 per carat to more than $800 per carat.
- Price Comparison With Diamonds
Tanzanite is rarer than a diamond. Yet diamond commands a much higher price when compared to tanzanite. Suppose you want to buy a fine quality diamond in a 5-carat size. It can set you back by more than $95,000 per carat. For fine tanzanite of the same carat size, you may have to spend anything in the range of $780 to $1,300. This gives a good idea of the price difference between these two gemstones.
Top grade and exceptional tanzanite even retail as high as $2,000 per carat. This gemstone is a great alternative to the more expensive ones like diamonds and blue sapphires, even at this range.
- Price Stability of Tanzanite
In its commercial history spanning half a century, tanzanite prices have witnessed wild fluctuations. The main reasons behind the sharp rises and falls are unpredictable supply, illegal mining, smuggling, and inconsistent promotion. Over the years, tanzanite mining and distribution has assumed a more professional approach. As a result, the price has been more stable in recent years.
Usually, tanzanite retains its value when the market is down and increases when the market is on an upswing.
Price of Tanzanite in 2021
The present gemstone market scenario has top-grade tanzanite commanding a good price. If you wish to purchase AAA quality tanzanite with rich colors, 1-carat sizes will cost you approximately $200-$350 per carat. 2-carat sizes can range from $400-$550 per carat. For 3 carats or more, the price may reach $500-$675 per carat and beyond.
Now, this is just a general idea. The exact price will depend on a host of other factors, such as the depth of color, quality of pleochroism, clarity of the gemstone, the type and quality of the cut it features, and the polish.
Tanzanite Investment Potential
One thing to note about tanzanite is that it has not been possible to synthesize this gemstone in a laboratory until now. That is why all genuine tanzanite occur naturally, which adds to their allure and makes them worth owning.
This is one of the reasons tanzanite is fast gaining prominence as a gemstone with great investment potential. Its rising popularity and limited availability make it a perfect choice as an investment gemstone.
Thanks to its vivid hues, this gemstone makes a great pairing with other attractive stones in jewelry. For instance, tanzanite infused in a shungite necklace can add a unique touch to the whole piece. Since combination jewelry items, such as tanzanite and shungite bracelets are great for everyday wear and are affordable on the pocket, they are becoming popular amongst the young brigade who love to experiment with their jewelry. All these factors further enhance the investment potential of this gemstone.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for mesmerizing tanzanite jewelry at affordable prices, now is the right time to buy them. You can discover an incredible variety of stylish and fabulous tanzanite jewelry at Shop LC and grab them at attractive prices.