Unveiling the Mysteries of Tanzanite Grading: How to Determine the Value of Your Gemstone
Tanzanite Grading: Understanding the Value of Your Gemstone
If you’re a lover of fine jewelry, it’s likely that you’ve come across the stunning blue-violet gemstone called Tanzanite. Discovered in 1967 and found only in one place on earth – Tanzania, this precious stone quickly became popular among collectors and enthusiasts alike. While its beauty is undeniable, understanding the grading standards for Tanzanite can be challenging for those who are new to gemology.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Tanzanite grading and explore how different factors impact the value of your gemstone.
What is Tanzanite?
Before we get into grading specifics, let’s take a moment to understand what makes Tanzanite unique. This striking gemstone is part of the zoisite mineral family and gets its distinctive color from traces of vanadium and other minerals present during formation. The best quality tanzanites exhibit a vivid blue-purple hue with excellent clarity, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Tanzania remains the only source for these precious gems which adds to their rarity and exclusivity. However, with rising demand comes an increase in lower-quality stones being sold as tanzanites which highlights why understanding proper grading techniques is important.
Tanzanite Quality Factors
Just like diamonds or any other precious stone, Tanzanites are graded based on several key factors that determine their overall quality. Let’s examine each one:
1) Color
The most crucial factor when assessing tanzanites is undoubtedly color as it has a direct correlation with value. A high-quality tanzanite should display an intense blue-violet hue without any brown undertones or grayish tones present in lesser quality stones.
When evaluating color grade for tanznite there are three main categories:
– AAA (Exceptional): These gems have a pure blue/purple hue that’s bright enough to rival even the best blue sapphire.
– AA (Fine): This color grade is still impressive and has a slight greyish undertone when compared to AAA grade.
– A (Commercial): These are tanzanites that have less saturation or clarity, making them more affordable but also less desirable.
2) Clarity
Tanzanites can be found with varying degrees of inclusions or blemishes affecting overall clarity. The most valuable tanzanites will be free from any visible imperfections when viewed under 10x magnification.
When assessing clarity, gemologists use a grading scale ranging from “Eye-clean” to Included”. Eye-clean gems have no visible inclusions while included stones exhibit noticeable flaws.
3) Cut
A well-cut Tanzanite should display good symmetry and proportions with no windowing, extinction or areas of darkness within the stone. The cut also impacts how light reflects within the gemstone which can affect its overall brilliance and fire.
There are several cuts available for Tanzanite including round brilliant cuts, oval shapes, cushion cuts, pear shapes among others. While there’s no single best cut style for tanzanite it’s a matter of preference for collectors and jewelry designers alike.
4) Carat Weight
As with other precious stones like diamonds, larger Tanzanites often command higher prices than smaller ones due to their rarity. However not all larger stones will fetch high values as quality plays an important role in determining value too.
It’s essential to remember that carat weight alone does not determine the value of your tanzanite – it needs to be considered alongside other factors such as color and clarity grades too.
Tanzinite Grading Techniques
Now that we’ve covered what influences quality let’s dive into how gemologists assess these elements using various grading techniques:
1) GIA System
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is one of the most trusted and well-respected gemological laboratories in the world. They use a strict grading system to evaluate Tanzanite’s 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, carat weight) as well as additional factors like origin and treatment history.
The GIA grading scale ranges from D-Z for color with D being awarded to diamonds with no hue while Z is assigned to tanzanites that exhibit yellow or brownish hues. Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1-I3).
Overall, GIA graded tanzanites are considered of high quality and often command premium prices in the market.
2) AGL System
The American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), also utilize their own grading system that assesses Tanzanite based on similar criteria as GIA but also consider other factors such as “face-up” orientation which impacts how light enters and exits the stone.
Their color grade chart ranges from Blue-Purple (BP) to Violet-Blue (VB), where BP indicates a more bluish tone while VB leans more towards purple hues. For clarity grades, they follow a similar scale ranging from Flawless to Included.
In general, AGL graded tanzanites are highly regarded by collectors due to their rigorous standards.
Treatments & Enhancements
Like many precious stones these days there are treatments available for tanzanite too. Heat treatment is often used on lower-quality stones with brownish tones which can transform it into a beautiful blue-violet hue. However artificially treated stones will always have less value than untreated gems even if they visually appear identical – so verifying authenticity is essential before making any purchase decisions.
Conclusion
Tanzanite’s rarity combined with its stunning beauty makes it an excellent addition to any fine jewelry collection. When assessing quality keep in mind the four Cs: color, clarity, cut & carat weight along with various grading techniques and treatment history to get the best value for your investment.
Remember, investing in a high-quality tanzanite is not only a great addition to your jewelry collection but can also be an excellent long-term asset. So take time, do your research and find the perfect one for you today!