Tanzanite — with its mesmerising play of deep blue and violet — is unlike any other gemstone in the world. Coveted for its rarity, brilliance, and emotional depth, it continues to enchant collectors and romantics alike. But for those seeking true excellence in this singular gem, understanding its colour quality is essential.
At Prins & Prins, we believe that selecting a tanzanite should be both an aesthetic and educational experience. Beyond its alluring hue lies a refined world of grading that speaks to the gem’s true worth. Let us guide you — and your clients — through the art and science of grading the blues.
Why Colour Is Everything
Tanzanite’s colour is its most celebrated attribute — and its greatest differentiator. Unlike diamonds, which are prized for clarity and cut, tanzanite is first and foremost judged by its colour balance and intensity.
When advising clients, it’s important to move beyond vague terms like “bluish” or “violetish” and embrace the refined language used by gemmologists and the Tanzanite Foundation itself. Doing so not only enhances your credibility but deepens the client’s appreciation for the gem’s rarity and value.
Understanding the Key Elements of Colour Grading
Tanzanite’s colour is evaluated using three primary attributes:
1. Hue
Hue refers to the dominant colour family present in the stone. Tanzanite naturally displays a unique mix of blue and violet, sometimes with flashes of burgundy under certain lighting.
- Top-quality tanzanite displays a vivid blue-violet or violet-blue hue — rich, elegant, and balanced.
- Lesser stones may appear overly light, greyish, or dominated by a single tone, lacking depth or saturation.
2. Saturation
Saturation describes the intensity or purity of the colour. High-saturation tanzanite has a deep, velvety tone that seems to glow from within — a hallmark of exceptional quality.
- Saturated tanzanite appears lively, vibrant, and full-bodied.
- Stones with low saturation often look washed out or dull, especially in natural light.
3. Tone
Tone measures the lightness or darkness of the colour, ranging from very light to very dark.
- Ideally, tanzanite should be medium to medium-dark in tone, allowing its colour to shine while maintaining a regal depth.
- Stones that are too light may lack richness, while overly dark stones can lose vibrancy.
The Tanzanite Foundation Colour Grading Scale
To simplify grading for both jewellers and consumers, the Tanzanite Foundation introduced a widely accepted letter-grade system:
- AAA – Exceptional deep violet-blue hue, excellent saturation and tone.
- AA – Strong colour with very good saturation and minor tonal variations.
- A – Lighter, less saturated stone with fair balance of blue and violet.
- B – Pale or poorly saturated stones; typically less desirable.
At Prins & Prins, our tanzanite selection prioritises AAA and AA stones, ensuring our clients receive only the finest examples of this remarkable gem.
Helping Clients Choose with Confidence
When advising clients, invite them to examine the stone under both natural daylight and warm indoor lighting. Tanzanite’s pleochroic nature (its ability to show different colours from different angles) will reveal its depth, richness, and personality.
Encourage them to:
- Observe the balance between blue and violet.
- Consider how the stone makes them feel — some are drawn to the deeper indigos, others to the soft romantic lilacs.
- Envision the stone’s setting — platinum enhances cool hues, while yellow gold adds contrast and warmth.
Remind clients that no two tanzanites are ever truly alike. This uniqueness makes each stone feel personal, intimate, and worthy of being treasured.
Why Colour Quality Matters
The colour quality of tanzanite directly influences its value, investment potential, and visual impact. A deeply saturated, finely balanced stone can retain or even increase in value over time, especially as global supplies diminish.
When your client invests in tanzanite, they are investing not only in beauty — but in a geological miracle, shaped by time and nature, available from only one corner of the world.
Explore Tanzanite Jewellery Cape Town
At Prins & Prins, we offer hand-selected, expertly graded stones in settings that celebrate tanzanite’s natural splendour. Whether for a bespoke ring, pendant, or heirloom piece, our specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Explore our curated collection of Tanzanite Jewellery Cape Town — and discover the rarest blues the Earth has to offer.
