The Importance of Grading and Certification When Buying Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a rare and valuable gemstone found only in Tanzania. It was first discovered in the 1960s and has since become a popular choice for jewelry due to its unique blue-violet color and high level of brilliance. However, not all Tanzanites are created equal, which is why grading and certification are essential when buying this precious stone.
The grading process involves evaluating the Tanzanite’s four key characteristics: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most crucial factor that determines the value of a Tanzanite is its color. This stone’s most prized hue is an intense blue-purple shade with flashes of red or pink under certain lighting conditions. Any deviation from this ideal tone will result in lower grades.
Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal flaws or blemishes on the surface of the stone visible under magnification. A Tanzanite with fewer inclusions will receive a higher grade than one with more visible flaws.
Cut refers to how well-proportioned the facets on a Tanzanite are cut and how symmetrical they appear when viewed from different angles. A well-cut piece will have excellent light reflection properties (known as brilliance), while poorly proportioned cuts can cause light leakage through the sides, resulting in lackluster stones.
Carat weight measures how much a tanzanite weighs; larger stones tend to be rarer than smaller ones hence costing more per carat weight.
To ensure you’re getting what you paid for when purchasing Tanzanites, it’s essential to buy from reputable dealers who provide graded certificates indicating these features’ quality standards within their gems.
There are several independent organizations that offer gemstone certifications such as GIA(Gemological Institute of America), IGI(International Gemological Institute), EGL(European Gemological Laboratory) among others; however, GIA is considered by many experts as one of the best institutions worldwide.
A certificate from GIA provides an accurate and unbiased assessment of the Tanzanite’s quality, which means that you can be confident in knowing what you’re buying. This certification should include a detailed description of the stone’s weight, cut, color, clarity grade, as well as any treatments or enhancements done to it.
In conclusion, when purchasing Tanzanites for jewelry or investment purposes, it’s crucial to ensure they have undergone proper grading and certification by independent organizations like GIA. Doing so will guarantee that you are getting your money’s worth while also ensuring that the gemstones are authentic and ethically sourced. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and rarity of this stunning gemstone with peace of mind.