Buyer's Guide
Whenever you are buying Tanzanite you should make sure that it has been graded by an Independent Gemological Laboratory (not a laboratory controlled by the vendor) and comes with a certificate.
Grading Tanzanite considers the 4 C's like those used by The Gemological Institute of America. Generally, the higher the combination of these ratings, the more valuable the tanzanite.
Color - intensity of color and saturation of blue to violet
Clarity - description of natural flaws and inclusions
Cut - proportions and brilliance
Carat - a weight equivalent to 1/5 of a gram
Color
Color or hue is the shade or tint referring to the blue in tanzanite and its degree of violet saturation. The depth of color or tone is the relative lightness or darkness of a hue ranging from Intense to Faint. The saturation is the strength (purity) of a hue and is considered by most gemological professionals to be the most important component in grading tanzanite. The deeper the saturation color, the more valuable the tanzanite.
Clarity
Clarity refers to any natural flaws and inclusions in a tanzanite. Tanzanite's clarity category ranges from Eye Clean to Heavily Included. Tanzanite described as Eye Clean or Slightly Included may contain minor inclusions that can only be viewed through a jeweller's magnifying loupe, which magnifies the tanzanite by ten times. Such inclusions do not detract from the perfection of the gem to the unaided eye. Tanzanite described as Moderately Included and Heavily Included contain inclusions that can be seen with the unaided eye. The more flawless the tanzanite, the more valuable it is.
Cut
Cut refers to the proportion and brilliance of a tanzanite. A very good cut ensures that the stone's facets reflect light to create maximum brilliance. If tanzanite is cut too deep or too shallow, its radiance will deflect through the sides from the bottom of the stone, detracting from its brilliance. The more precise the craftsman's cutting, the more valuable the tanzanite. The cut has the least impact on value of the 4 C's but is still important.
Carat
Carat is the term used to measure a tanzanite's weight. One carat is 100 points and weighs 1/5 of a gram. Two seemingly identical tanzanites will have different carat weights if they vary in depth. Carat weight affects the price generally as weight increases stones in the same quality bracket will cost more per carat
Guarantee
We recommend that whenever possible the purchase of a loose tanzanite or tanzanite jewelry piece is accompanied by HKD Laboratories Ltd. Certificate (or other qualified laboratory's certificate), detailing the specifics of the gemstone. This is the buyer's guarantee that the tanzanite is authentic and has been graded in accordance with the an Independent Gemological Laboratory (not a laboratory controlled by the vendor).
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