An overnight celebrity of the gemstone world, tanzanite was discovered in 1967 in the hills of Merelani, Tanzania. In 1968, the hills had over 90 claims for mining and the gem was featured by numerous famed designers. In quick time, tanzanite came to challenge the three historical masters of the gem-trade market: ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

Merelani, Tanzania remains the only source for tanzanite. Its limited supply and high demand has granted it an ever increasing value since its discovery. But for now, this violet-blue beauty still sells for less than the other three precious gemstones.

Tanzanite is pleochroic, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different angles. Its colors range from blue to violet to purple. The blue-violet varieties will typically retrieve the highest price on the market.