If you consider that a good 5 carat diamond can cost anywhere from $95,000 per carat in the market, center, site, store, and gallery of natural tanzanite while a very good 5 carat tanzanite It will be in the $780-$1,300 range (depending on where you buy), giving you a good idea of the disparity
The value and pricing of Tanzanite are influenced by several key factors, including color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and certification. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when purchasing tanzanite. Tanzanite’s color ranges from blue to violet. The most valuable Stones exhibit a deep, vivid blue or a rich violet-blue hue. High color saturation increases the stone’s value. Pale or washed-out colors are less desirable and therefore less valuable. Tanzanite’s ability to show different colors from different angles (blue, violet, burgundy) can enhance its appeal and value.
Tanzanite with fewer visible inclusions is more valuable. Eye-clean stones (those without visible inclusions to the naked eye) are highly prized. The clearer the stone, the more it is valued. Cloudy or heavily included stones are less desirable. A well-cut tanzanite will maximize the stone’s color and brilliance. Poorly cut stones can appear dull and lifeless, reducing their value. While the shape (round, oval, cushion, etc.) is a matter of personal preference, some cuts may enhance the stone's color better than others.
Larger tanzanite stones (measured in carats) are generally more valuable, especially if they maintain good color and clarity. However, value per carat can increase disproportionately for larger stones. The gemstone’s value can increase significantly as the size increases, but this is also dependent on the quality of the stone. Certificates from reputable gemological laboratories (such as GIA, AGS) provide assurance of the stone’s authenticity and quality. Certified stones often have higher market value due to the documented verification of their attributes.
A true tanzanite Stone can be flawless or it can be heavily inclusion-bearing. Its quality, value, and price are deeply influenced by its degree of clarity. Therefore, it is important to understand the different terms used in the industry and what you might find in tanzanite. See image of enhanced tanzanite inclusions. In general, the larger the tanzanite crystal in the same quality, the rarer it is. This is because the larger crystals took longer to grow, and given that tanzanite can take over 500 million years to form. Carat weight becomes important in quality pieces. An exceptional 3-carat investment-grade color with high clarity is always much rarer and more valuable than a 10-carat B-grade color with inclusions.
While real, natural tanzanite is actually rarer than diamonds, it costs much less. If you consider that a good 5 carat Diamond can cost anywhere from $95,000 per carat in the market, center, site, store, and gallery of natural tanzanite while a very good 5 carat tanzanite It will be in the $780-$1,300 range (depending on where you buy), giving you a good idea of the disparity. Tanzanite is very sensitive to thermal shock and also very fragile, so you must be very careful in its maintenance. If your gem needs to be washed, you can wash it with soap and water (neither cold nor warm - the same temperature as the environment). and then dry it.
Market demand heavily influences tanzanite prices. Trends in Jewelry and Gemstone markets can cause fluctuations in value. Since tanzanite is mined exclusively in a small area of Tanzania, supply limitations can significantly impact prices. Prices in retail jewelry stores often include significant markups over wholesale prices due to factors like branding, craftsmanship, and overhead costs. Online retailers may offer competitive prices, but it’s crucial to buy from reputable sources to ensure quality and authenticity.
Wholesale prices are generally lower than retail prices and are available to businesses purchasing in bulk. Buying multiple stones or larger quantities can sometimes result in discounted pricing. Prices can range from $200 to $500 per carat, depending on quality. Prices typically range from $400 to $800 per carat, with higher quality stones reaching up to $1,000 per carat. High-quality large stones can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per carat or more, with exceptional stones achieving even higher prices.
