Arusha, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Tanzania, is renowned as the gateway to some of the world’s most captivating natural wonders, including the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro. However, Arusha offers more than just breathtaking landscapes; it’s also a hub for the gemstone trade, particularly the exquisite blue-violet gem known as tanzanite. If you’re seeking to purchase tanzanite in Arusha, you’re embarking on a journey to explore this precious stone’s origins and find the perfect piece to cherish. In this comprehensive guide, we navigate the intricate world of tanzanite buying in Arusha, offering insights into the best places to find this gem and tips for making informed decisions.
Tanzanite: A Unique Gem from Tanzania
Tanzanite, a captivating gemstone found only in Tanzania, exudes a captivating allure with its mesmerizing blue-violet hues. Discovered in the 1960s, its rarity and stunning color variations make it truly unique. This trichroic stone, displaying different shades from various angles, is typically heat-treated to enhance its vibrant colors. Tanzanite is celebrated for its spiritual significance, believed to promote communication and insight. Its limited supply fuels its desirability, making it a cherished gem for jewelry enthusiasts seeking a touch of exclusivity and elegance in their collection—a gem born from the earth’s embrace, evoking the beauty of the African landscape.
See Also: Tanzanite VS Sapphire: Which Is better?
Navigating the Tanzanite Market in Arusha
When seeking to buy tanzanite in Arusha, it’s essential to approach the process with knowledge and caution. The tanzanite market is diverse, offering a range of qualities and prices. To ensure a successful buying experience, consider the following steps:
1. Educate Yourself:
Before embarking on your tanzanite-buying journey, take the time to educate yourself about the gemstone. Learn about the Four Cs of gemstone quality: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Tanzanite’s color is of paramount importance, with vivid blue-violet hues being the most desirable.
2. Research Trusted Jewelers:
To buy tanzanite in Arusha, it’s essential to identify reputable jewelers who are known for their ethical practices and quality offerings. Look for established stores with a history of dealing in tanzanite. Online reviews and recommendations from fellow travelers can also provide valuable insights.
3. Visit Multiple Shops:
Arusha boasts a variety of shops that offer tanzanite jewelry and loose stones. Take the time to visit multiple establishments to compare prices, quality, and the range of options available. This will allow you to make an informed decision based on your preferences.
4. Request Certifications:
Reputable jewelers in Arusha should provide certificates of authenticity for tanzanite stones. These certificates detail the gem’s characteristics, including its color, clarity, and origin. This documentation adds credibility to the purchase and ensures you’re receiving a genuine tanzanite.
5. Inspect the Stone:
When examining tanzanite stones, pay attention to the gem’s color under various lighting conditions. Natural light is ideal for assessing the stone’s true color. Additionally, examine the stone for any visible inclusions or imperfections that may affect its overall beauty.
6. Negotiate Wisely:
While negotiating the price is customary in many markets, exercise caution and avoid haggling excessively. Transparent communication and respectful negotiation can lead to a fair deal for both parties.
7. Trust Your Instincts:
Ultimately, trust your instincts when making a purchase. If you feel confident in the jeweler’s expertise, the quality of the stone, and the overall experience, you’re more likely to be satisfied with your choice.
See Also: Revealing the Secret: AAA Tanzanite’s Elegance and Rarity
How to Make Tanzanite into Jewelry?
Creating tanzanite jewelry involves several steps, from selecting the gemstone to designing the piece. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Selecting the Tanzanite:
Choose a tanzanite gemstone that suits your preferences in terms of size, color, and quality. Tanzanite’s blue-violet hues vary, so consider your desired shade.
2. Designing the Jewelry:
Work with a jeweler or designer to create a design that complements the tanzanite’s beauty. Decide on the type of jewelry, such as a ring, pendant, earrings, or bracelet.
3. Choosing the Metal:
Select a metal for the setting—options include gold (yellow, white, or rose) and platinum. Consider the metal’s color and durability.
4. Creating the Setting:
A skilled jeweler will craft the setting to hold the tanzanite securely. This involves shaping the metal, setting prongs, and creating any decorative elements.
5. Setting the Tanzanite:
The tanzanite is carefully placed into the setting and secured using prongs or bezels. Ensuring the stone is properly set is crucial to both its appearance and security.
6. Finishing and Polishing:
The piece is polished to achieve a lustrous finish. This step enhances the metal’s shine and showcases the tanzanite’s brilliance.
Collaborating with experienced jewelers or designers is recommended to ensure the tanzanite is handled and set properly, resulting in a stunning and durable piece of jewelry that showcases the gemstone’s unique beauty.
Best Places to Buy Tanzanite in Arusha
Arusha offers a range of options for buying tanzanite. Here are some well-regarded establishments to consider:
1. Tanzanite Experience:
As a city renowned for its connection to tanzanite, Arusha is home to the Tanzanite Experience, a museum and showroom dedicated to this captivating gem. Here, you can learn about tanzanite’s history, formation, and properties before exploring a selection of tanzanite jewelry and stones.
2. Maasai Market:
The Maasai Market is a vibrant market in Arusha that showcases a variety of local crafts, including tanzanite jewelry. While shopping at markets, exercise due diligence and carefully examine the quality of the stones and settings.
3. Reputable Jewelry Stores:
Well-established jewelry stores in Arusha, such as reputable gem dealers and established jewelry brands, offer a curated selection of tanzanite pieces. These stores often provide a wide range of options and certification for their gems.
Can Tanzanite be worn every day?
While tanzanite is a stunning gem, its suitability for everyday wear requires careful consideration. Tanzanite has a hardness of around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it more susceptible to scratches and damage compared to harder gemstones. This makes it less ideal for frequent exposure to potential impacts and wear. If you intend to wear tanzanite jewelry daily, opt for protective settings, avoiding activities that might subject the stone to undue stress. However, due to its relatively lower hardness, wearing tanzanite occasionally or for special occasions could help preserve its beauty over time.
See Also: Tanzanite as an Investment: What You Need To Know
Conclusion
Buying tanzanite in Arusha is not just a transaction; it’s a connection to the gem’s history, origins, and the enchanting landscapes of Tanzania. As you embark on this journey, armed with knowledge and awareness, remember that the process of buying tanzanite is as much about the experience as it is about the stone itself. With careful research, informed decisions, and a discerning eye, you can find a tanzanite treasure that captures the essence of Arusha and the allure of this unique gemstone.
