Jewellery & Watch News
The birthstone for December is Tanzanite, arguably one of the world’s most coveted gemstones considered a thousand times rarer than diamond. Largely characterised by its exceptional clarity and overall mystery, the December birthstone exhibits a variety of colours including blues, violets and even burgundies making the fine jewellery pieces they adorn all the more special.
History of Tanzanite
Unlike so many other gemstones in our portfolio, Tanzanite has only a short history. It was first discovered in 1967 when a Masai tribesman came across a cluster of intense violet and blue crystals out in of the earth in Merelani, an area of northern Tanzania in Africa. At first it was thought the stones were peridot or maybe even sapphire but eventually it was revealed that the stone was something new entirely to the gemstone world. In a short space of time, 90 more claims for the stone were made in the same twenty-mile radius.
A company largely associated with the December birthstone is Tiffany & Co. They became the gemstone’s main distributor at its beginning and even named the gem after the country from which it came from. The famous jewellery brand eventually promoted this new and rare stone in a large campaign and before long, Tanzanite became one of the world’s most popular gemstones. In 2002, Tanzanite was added to the birthstone chart as the December birthstone.
Where is Tanzanite found?
As its history and name demonstrates, Tanzanite is found in northern Tanzania. This is currently the only place on earth where the stone has been found attesting to its rarity when compared to other gemstones like diamonds. All Tanzanite mines are currently situated within around the same eight square miles in the Merelani Hills, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and the city of Arusha.
Properties of Tanzanite
The December birthstone is largely characterised by it’s breathtaking colour commonly seen in a rich blue-violet shade. Nevertheless, Tanzanite is greatly influenced by pleochroism which means it has an ability to show different colours when viewed in different crystal directions. In 1969, shortly after its discovery, the gem's pleochroic colours were described as `red-violet, deep blue, and yellow green’ however since most gems are heat treated, Tanzanite is often reduced in its yellow and greenish hue and its blue and violet tones are maximised. The December birthstone is placed between 6 and 7 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness and it can be cut in variety of finishes with cushion and oval cuts being some of the most popular.
Tanzanite Jewellery
Whether you’re celebrating a December birthday, buying for a partner for your 24th wedding anniversary or you’re simply in love with the enchanting violet tones of the gemstone, Tanzanite jewellery is a must-have every lady’s jewellery collection. Its wonderfully versatile properties means it can be worn for all occasions and when paired with other gemstones like diamond its contrasting composition looks truly extraordinary.
You can shop a huge range of Tanzanite jewellery and December birthstone jewellery on the C W Sellors website including Tanzanite necklaces, Tanzanite pendants, Tanzanite bracelets, Tanzanite earrings, Tanzanite rings, Tanzanite brooches and Tanzanite cufflinks. Get in touch with the team today for more information on the Citrine gemstone and the interest free finance and free next day delivery available.
