Birthstone Spotlight: Tanzanite

Why feature the December birthstone at the end of the month? Because it’s a stunning pick for the entire winter season—and beyond! Tanzanite has truly unique beauty that makes it a standout in the grayest months, making pieces of tanzanite jewelry especially gorgeous this time of year.

Tanzanite stands out for its brilliant color, a hue that’s unmatched by any other gem. The American Gem Trade Association aptly describes its uncommon beauty, saying that “Tanzanite is an exotic, vivid blue, kissed by purple hues … Tanzanite has the beauty, rarity and durability to rival any gemstone. It is the ultimate prize of a gemstone safari.” This alluring appearance instantly captures the imagination and makes it hard to look away.

In nature, most tanzanite has a green or brownish hue, although naturally occurring blue or purple tanzanite crystals (actually a type of the mineral ziosite) are found on rare occasions. Most of the tanzanite that’s used in jewelry has been heat treated, a process which gives it its signature hue: a color that’s nearly universally flattering and always intriguing. The unique look of tanzanite is striking in designs ranging from simple to elaborate (like the stunning Vintage Style Tanzanite and Diamond Engagement Ring) and the wide variety of styles in Apples of Gold’s collection of Tanzanite rings are a testament to that fact.

This one-of-a-kind color makes even the simplest style stand out, as demonstrated by the Tanzanite Modern Design Engagement Ring. A 6.5mm round tanzanite rises above this contemporary take on the timeless solitaire as four pairs of prongs stand in for the expected four single prongs. A simple band of gleaming 14K white gold allows this stone to take the spotlight.

Tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones: It was discovered in 1967 in the Mererani Hills near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (hence its name). However, despite its youthful status in the gemstone world, this stone is an excellent pick for styles that are drawn from the past, and its vibrant color gives these looks a new burst of life that’s just perfect for the present.

For example, although tanzanite was discovered a good part of a century after the era that inspires the Diamond and Tanzanite Floret Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold, this gem provides a welcome pop of color. This stunning ring is an eye-catching take on one of Apple of Gold’s most popular diamond rings as a 5mm round tanzanite is hugged by two quarter carat diamonds and set on a band that’s channel-set with six additional diamonds for extra dazzle. A delicate repeating leaf and floret motif is engraved on three sides of the band, giving this ring a look that seems to bring the Victorian Era to life.

Tanzanite also stands out in that, so far, it’s been found only in the area in which it was first discovered—an area just five miles square. The rarity of this stone makes it an incredibly fitting symbol something that’s a one-in-a-million treasure, and pieces that feature it are meaningful ways to celebrate a love that’s anything but ordinary.

The exclusive nature of tanzanite renders rings that feature it not only as stunning fashion statements, but also as breathtaking ways to propose. Tanzanite engagement rings may not be traditional picks, but their one-of-a-kind color makes them excellent ways to celebrate that the love that you and that special someone share is a rare treasure.

The Royal Tanzanite and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold is sure to take any special woman’s breath away as it showcases a 7mm-high oval-shaped tanzanite in place of the expected center diamond. This alluring gem is flanked by a total of a quarter carat of diamonds: two slightly larger stones that sit directly on either side of the tanzanite and six smaller channel-set gems. A setting of gleaming 14K white gold provides the perfect foundation for this one-in-a-lifetime piece.

Apples of Gold’s collection of tanzanite engagement rings also includes several engagement ring and wedding band sets that perfectly pair one of our most popular tanzanite styles with a coordinating wedding ring. For instance, the Antique-Style Tanzanite Wedding Ring Set combines a beautiful Victorian-inspired engagement ring with a slender wedding band that perfectly matches the curves of its partner and complements its pattern. The engagement ring in this set displays a 4.5mm round tanzanite in the center of a meticulously-crafted setting rich with swirls and openwork.

Not only can the intriguing beauty of tanzanite can communicate one-of-a-kind love; it’s also an excellent way to celebrate anyone with a December birthday. When this gem was named as an alternative birthstone for the month of December by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002, it became the first gemstone to be added to the list of birthstones since 1912, a testament to tanzanite’s truly timeless beauty.

A pair of tanzanite earrings would be a lovely way to honor someone born in the last month of the year, and the Tanzanite Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold add a vibrant pop of color to a timeless style that’s perfect with dressy and casual looks alike. A pair of round tanzanites in your choice of three sizes (4mm, 5mm or 6mm) are held securely in basket settings and held in the wearer’s ears by your pick of screw-back posts or push-back posts. In addition to white gold, this pair is also available in yellow gold and platinum; regardless of which variation you choose, these earrings would be a much-appreciated addition to any jewelry collection whether you keep them for yourself or give them to someone special.

Three Stone Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant - 14K White Gold Tanzanite pendants are another lovely gift option, and the Three Stone Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold is a lovely pick. A trio of round tanzanite stones, each larger than the one above it, create a look that’s simple yet striking, while a quartet of diamonds adds sparkle to the bale. This is a piece with understated elegance that will never go out of style.

Although the intriguing beauty of tanzanite never goes out of fashion, it’s become particularly popular in recent years. Celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Anne Hathaway and Cate Blanchet have all been spotted wearing tanzanite jewelry, and one of the colors named in the Pantone Color Institute® spring 2014 fashion color palate, “Violet Tulip,” is remarkably reminiscent of the December birthstone. Whether you choose it because it’s trending or because it’s timelessly intriguing, the tanzanite has one-of-a-kind beauty that sets it apart.