By human standards, tanzanite is only 50 years old. By geological measure, it’s over 500 million years old. So yes, we were slow adopters — or maybe I should say, slow to pick up on it! Why should it matter? This gorgeous gem has a transparent blue to violet or violet-blue color. The more vibrant the color, the more it resembles sapphire. And because most tanzanite is less expensive than sapphire, it makes a beautiful substitute.
A Note On Famous Tanzanite
Discovered in 1967, Tanzanite is a modern gem. Except for the Harry Winston brooch that has a more classic approach, I selected styles that reflect Tanzanite’s modern ambiance.
Queen of Kilimanjaro Tiara
This royal gem is one of the largest faceted tanzanite weighing in at 242 carats. The famous tanzanite sits at the center of a sinuous pattern created using 803 tsavorite garnets and 913 diamonds. The tiara resembles a resplendent hooded king cobra. It belongs to Michael Scott’s collection. A nuclear physicist by training, he served as Apple’s first CEO from 1977 to 1981. Following his departure from Apple (resulting from a clash with Steve Jobs) in 1981, he researched gemstones and has created a major collection.

Petersen Tanzanite Brooch
Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic which makes it appear an intense blue, violet, or even red depending on the viewing direction. Pleochroism plays a key role when a cutter orients a stone. This magnificent matched tanzanite pair weighs 30 carats, their modified triangular cut having the much desired intense sapphire-blue with violet tones. Designed by Harry Winston, Inc. in 1991, the floral platinum brooch has almost 24 carats of marquise, pear and baguette cut diamonds. Ingeniously, the famous tanzanite “flowers” can be detached and worn as earrings.

Kat Florence 423.56 carat Tanzanite Necklace
Designer Kat Florence is known for sourcing rare stones of exceptional quality to feature in her modern designs. This extraordinary tanzanite and diamond necklace offers a prime example. Who owns it? Who knows? Sarah Jessica Parker collaborated with Kat on some designs and wore this necklace in a number of ads. It’s definitely a keeper.

Rodney Rayner “Sea Urchin” Ring
Rayner is a British couture jewelry designer well known for his use of color. This ring features tanzanite and diamonds in 18K pink gold. He cuts each center stone specifically for the design. A Baselworld exhibitor, his 33 years in the business have earned him a dedicated following from entertainment and industry.

Chopard’s “Belle” Necklace With 69-Carat Tanzanite Center
Swiss design house, Chopard, created this filigreed lace collar necklace. The ravishing shades of blue and pink are fancy sapphires flow together to create a piece for the ages. And in case you’re wondering, it was designed for Disney’s Belle, of “Beauty and the Beast” fame.

Creating With Tanzanite?
We can meet your design needs with Black Box Tanzanite and calibrated tanzanite. Our selection includes a wide array of shapes and sizes. Should a customer request a unique shape or cut, trust our Special Order Services will source it for you through our extensive global network. For matched pairs, our Matching Service makes it simple and provides the closest match. These complimentary services make your life easier.
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Don’t stop reading! Find more about tanzanite and its rich history here.