Tanzanite Still Making A Big Splash

Since its debut in the latter part of the 20th century, the luscious blue-violet Tanzanite gem steadily gained momentum with ardent fans who understood the value its one-source supply.

All natural gems have a finite supply within their deposits, but when only one deposit exists for a gem anywhere in the world, the fervor swells. This single source stone is also a stunner; making it all the better for collectors.

What most devotees don't know about this vivid jewel is that the species was known long before Tiffany named this zoisite variety and launched a global campaign to popularize it.

In 1805, the species zoisite was identified in a mountainous area of Austria, and named after a collector, Zois. Why didn't it receive the wild adoration given to Tanzanite? Well, it was a dark brownish opaque stone--not the glamorous gem we know as Tanzanite. Good enough reason.

Bet you didn't know there is another gemmy zoisite making its way around the halls at collectors' shows. This variety is called Thulite; an opaque pink stone found in far away places like New Zealand . . . and North Carolina, which is also exotic, depending on where you live. So there you have it. More back-stories about zoisite than you can shake a loupe at. But we think you'll keep the sophisticated Tanzanite on your short list; because it still has no peer.

Award winning jeweler Yael Designs draws inspiration from nature--so it's natural that they would chose Tanzanite as the foundation of their expressive spring collection. Bravo!

Tanzanite, white gold and diamond ring by Yael Designs. Photo Courtesy: Yael Designs