Tanzanite
No recent discovery has had a greater impact on the gemstone market than tanzanite. In 1967 a Portuguese prospector discovered tanzanite in Tanzania while looking for sapphire. Named and promoted by Tiffany, tanzanite won the public’s heart. A December birthstone, tanzanite is the recognized gift for the 24th wedding anniversary and also for the birth of a child– inspired by the native Maasai tradition of wearing blue beads and fabric for a heathy and positive new life. Tanzanite occurs in various colors including yellow, golden-brown and green. It’s routinely enhanced by traditional heating methods to produce shades of violet blue to purple. Fine tanzanite is typically free of inclusions. To clean, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and contact with chemicals.