Discover the Beauty of Tanzanite Gemstones: Wigmore Trading’s Exquisite Collection

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the mesmerizing world of Tanzanite gemstones? Prepare to be captivated by their breathtaking hues and unparalleled elegance as we unveil Wigmore Trading’s exquisite collection. Whether you’re a seasoned gemstone enthusiast or simply looking for that perfect statement piece, get ready to discover the allure and magnificence that lies within these rare treasures. Join us as we delve into the history, properties, and unique characteristics of Tanzanite gemstones – it’s time to let their beauty take your breath away!

Introduction to Tanzanite Gemstones

Introduction to Tanzanite Gemstones

Tanzanite gemstones are a rare and unique type of gemstone that has captured the hearts of many jewelry lovers around the world. This exquisite gemstone was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, hence its name. It is believed to be one of the most precious gemstones found in recent times, with its mesmerizing blue-violet hue and stunning clarity.

History of Tanzanite Gemstones

The discovery of tanzanite can be traced back to July 1967 when a Maasai tribesman named Manuel de Souza stumbled upon these beautiful stones while herding cattle near Merelani village in northern Tanzania. Initially, he thought it was just a blue sapphire, but after further examination, it was revealed that these were indeed a new type of gemstone. The news spread quickly, and soon tanzanite became a highly sought-after stone.

In 1968, Tiffany & Co. recognized the potential of this newly discovered gem and declared it as “the most beautiful blue stone discovered in 2000 years”. Since then, tanzanite has gained immense popularity and has become a treasured addition to any jewelry collection.

Characteristics of Tanzanite Gemstones

Tanzanite is part of the zoisite mineral species and is composed mostly of calcium aluminum silicate with traces of vanadium.

– History of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone that has captured the attention of the jewelry world with its mesmerizing beauty. This rare and precious gemstone was only discovered in 1967, making it one of the newest additions to the world of fine jewelry.

The history of Tanzanite can be traced back to Tanzania, where it was first found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro by a Masai tribesman named Manuel de Souza. Initially, de Souza thought he had found a rare blue sapphire, but upon further examination, it turned out to be something even more valuable – a previously unknown mineral.

De Souza’s discovery caught the interest of a prospector and gemologist, John Saul. He recognized its unique properties and potential as a gemstone and brought samples back to Europe for further analysis. The gemstone quickly gained popularity among jewelers and collectors due to its vivid blue color and unusual geological origin.

In 1968, Tiffany & Co., an iconic American jewelry brand known for introducing new gemstones into the market, became the first company to introduce tanzanite to the public as “blue zoisite.” However, in an attempt to make it more appealing and easier to pronounce, they renamed it tanzanite after its country of origin.

– Importance and rarity of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rare and valuable gemstone that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its stunning beauty and rarity. This beautiful gemstone was first discovered in 1967 by a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu in the Mererani Hills of northern Tanzania. It is believed that he stumbled upon the gemstones while herding his cattle, and brought them to the attention of Manuel de Souza, a prospector who saw their potential and began mining them.

The unique blue-violet color of tanzanite sets it apart from other gemstones. The color ranges from pale lilac to deep violet, with some stones even displaying hints of red or green. This mesmerizing color comes from the presence of vanadium, which is a trace element found in tanzanite crystals. The intensity of the color can be enhanced through heat treatment, but natural untreated stones are highly prized for their rarity.

One of the reasons why tanzanite is so rare is because it can only be found in one place on earth – Tanzania. More specifically, it can only be found in a small mining area within the Mererani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro. This makes tanzanite more than 1,000 times rarer than diamonds! In fact, experts estimate that there may only be enough tanzanite left in this single location to last another 30 years at current mining rates.

How Wigmore Trading sources and supplies Tanzanite Gemstones

Wigmore Trading is proud to offer a stunning collection of Tanzanite gemstones, known for their exceptional beauty and rareness. But have you ever wondered how we source and supply these precious gems? In this section, we will take you through our process of finding and providing the finest quality Tanzanite gemstones to our customers.

Sourcing

The first step in acquiring Tanzanite gemstones is sourcing them from reputable mines in Tanzania, the only place in the world where this gemstone can be found. We work closely with local miners who have extensive knowledge and experience in extracting these gems from the earth. This ensures that we are able to obtain genuine and ethically sourced stones.

Our team also personally visits the mines to handpick each stone based on its color, clarity, and cut. This allows us to carefully select only the best quality gems for our collection. We believe that each piece should have its own unique character and story, which is why we take great care in selecting every single stone.

Cutting and Polishing

After sourcing the rough stones, they are then sent to expert gem cutters who use their skills and precision equipment to shape them into beautifully faceted gems. This process requires great skill as each stone needs to be cut at specific angles to maximize its brilliance and color.

At Wigmore Trading, we work closely with skilled lapidaries who have years of experience working with Tanzanite gemstones.

– Partnership with trusted miners in Tanzania

Tanzanite gemstones are a rare and precious find, with the majority of the world’s supply coming from only one source – Tanzania. At Wigmore Trading, we take great pride in our collection of tanzanite gems, and we believe that our partnership with trusted miners in Tanzania is what sets us apart.

We understand the importance of ethical sourcing when it comes to gemstones, which is why we have formed partnerships with local miners who adhere to responsible mining practices. Our team works closely with these miners to ensure that every tanzanite gemstone in our collection is ethically sourced and meets our high standards of quality.

Our partnership with Tanzanian miners not only benefits us but also has a positive impact on the local community. By working directly with these miners, we are able to provide them with fair wages and support their families. We also actively contribute to various community development projects, such as education and healthcare programs, to give back to the communities where our gems originate from.

One of the main reasons for partnering with local miners in Tanzania is to have direct access to some of the finest tanzanite stones. These miners have extensive knowledge and experience in identifying top-quality rough stones and cutting them into exquisite gems. They use traditional techniques handed down through generations combined with modern technology to bring out the unique beauty of each tanzanite stone.

Our close relationship with these trusted miners allows us to handpick each tanzanite gemstone for our collection personally.

– Commitment to fair trade practices

At Wigmore Trading, we believe in promoting fair trade practices within the gemstone industry. We understand the importance of ethical sourcing and strive to ensure that our tanzanite gemstones are obtained through fair means.

One of the core values of our company is social responsibility, and we are committed to upholding this value through our commitment to fair trade practices. This means that all workers involved in the mining, cutting, and polishing process of our tanzanite gemstones are treated with fairness and respect.

We work closely with local communities in Tanzania where tanzanite is mined to ensure that they receive fair wages for their labor. We also make sure that working conditions are safe and healthy for all miners, and no child labor is involved in any stage of the process.

Furthermore, we only source our tanzanite from reputable mines that adhere to strict environmental regulations. This ensures that not only are workers being treated fairly but also that the environment is being protected during the mining process.

In addition to promoting fair labor practices, we also believe in transparent pricing for our customers. We provide detailed information about each tanzanite gemstone’s origin, quality, and price so that you can make an informed decision about your purchase. This transparency allows us to build trust with our customers while supporting ethical business practices within the industry.

Our commitment to fair trade extends beyond just sourcing ethically produced tanzanite gemstones.

The beauty of Tanzanite Gemstones

Tanzanite gemstones are one of the most beautiful and unique gemstones found on Earth. The striking blue-violet color, combined with its rarity and rich history, make it a highly coveted stone among gemstone enthusiasts and collectors.

Originating from only one location in the world – the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, East Africa – tanzanite is considered to be a geological phenomenon. It was first discovered in 1967 by Maasai tribesmen who were drawn to its vibrant color shining in the sun. The name tanzanite was given by Tiffany & Co., who brought the gemstone to international attention and named it after its country of origin.

One of the most captivating characteristics of tanzanite is its mesmerizing color range. This unique gemstone can exhibit different hues depending on how it is viewed, ranging from deep sapphire blue to violet, with hints of red or burgundy undertones. This phenomenon, known as pleochroism, adds depth and complexity to each individual stone, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Tanzanite is also a relatively soft gemstone compared to other popular gems like diamonds or sapphires. With a rating of 6-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, this makes tanzanite more susceptible to scratches and chips. However, when cut correctly by skilled lapidaries (gem cutters), tanzanites can exhibit extraordinary brilliance and fire that rivals even diamonds.

– Unique color properties and variations

Tanzanite gemstones are known for their stunning and unique color properties, making them highly sought after by jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. This precious gemstone is found in only one place in the world – the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, hence its name. Its rarity and scarcity make it a prized possession for those who own it.

One of the most distinctive features of Tanzanite is its pleochroism, which means that it displays different colors depending on the angle from which it is viewed. This remarkable characteristic makes each Tanzanite stone truly one-of-a-kind. The three primary colors seen in Tanzanite are blue, violet, and burgundy, but they can also exhibit shades of green, pink, and yellow under certain lighting conditions.

The unique color variations of Tanzanite are due to its trichroic nature – meaning it has three distinct axes of color absorption. When light enters the stone at different angles, each axis absorbs different wavelengths resulting in a range of beautiful hues being reflected back to the viewer’s eye.

When viewed under natural daylight or fluorescent lighting, Tanzanite displays a vibrant blue-violet hue with hints of pink or purple undertones. However, under incandescent lighting or candlelight, this gemstone takes on a warmer tone with rich burgundy flashes interspersed throughout.

Another fascinating aspect of Tanzanite’s color properties is its ability to change color when exposed to heat treatment.

– Durability and quality of the gemstone

Tanzanite gemstones are known for their exceptional durability and quality, making them a highly sought-after choice for jewelry. This precious stone has a hardness rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it quite durable and suitable for everyday wear.

One of the main reasons why tanzanite is so durable is due to its crystal structure. It belongs to the mineral group called zoisite, which forms in prismatic crystals with perfect cleavage. This unique structure makes tanzanite resistant to scratches and breakage compared to other gemstones like emerald or opal.

In addition to its strong crystal structure, tanzanite also has excellent toughness, meaning it can withstand impact without chipping or cracking easily. This makes it an ideal choice for center stones in rings or pendants that are frequently worn.

Another factor contributing to the durability of tanzanite is its resistance to heat and chemicals. Unlike other gemstones that may become damaged when exposed to high temperatures or household chemicals, tanzanite remains unaffected by these elements.

The quality of tanzanite also plays a significant role in its beauty and value. The finest quality tanzanites exhibit rich hues of blue-violet with a vivid saturation and no visible color zoning. These gems are classified as AAA grade and are highly prized by collectors and jewelry connoisseurs.

Types of Tanzanite Cuts and Settings

Tanzanite is a stunning gemstone that has been gaining popularity in the world of jewelry. Its unique blue-violet color and rarity make it a highly sought-after stone for both collectors and fashion enthusiasts. One of the reasons why tanzanite is so versatile and widely used in jewelry is because of its ability to be cut into various shapes and set in different types of settings. In this section, we will explore the different types of tanzanite cuts and settings, giving you a better understanding of how these elements can enhance the beauty of this magnificent gemstone.

1. Tanzanite Cuts

The cut of a gemstone refers to its shape and proportions, which greatly affect its brilliance, fire, and overall appearance. When it comes to tanzanite, there are several popular cuts that bring out its natural beauty.

a) Oval Cut – The oval cut is one of the most common and popular shapes for tanzanite. This cut features an elongated oval shape with rounded edges, allowing for maximum light reflection and showcasing the stone’s deep blue-violet hues.

b) Round Cut – The round cut is another classic shape that works well with tanzanite. This cut features 58 facets that create a brilliant sparkle when light hits the stone from different angles.