A Gem Born of Africa
Few gemstones capture the spirit of Africa quite like tanzanite. Born from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and discovered only in the late 1960s, this striking blue-violet gem remains one of the rarest treasures on Earth. Its story is both geological and poetic — formed through extraordinary heat and pressure deep within the earth, then brought to light in a single locality in northern Tanzania.
Today, in Cape Town, connoisseurs and collectors alike seek tanzanite for its vibrant hues and unmistakable African heritage. At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we honour this legacy through expertly crafted, ethically sourced creations that celebrate the gem’s beauty and provenance.
The Rarity That Defines Its Value
Unlike many gemstones found across multiple continents, tanzanite occurs in only one place: the Merelani Hills near Arusha, Tanzania. Geologists estimate that the deposit could be depleted within a generation — a fact that makes every fine tanzanite increasingly precious.
Because of this rarity, authenticity and ethical sourcing are paramount. Unscrupulous traders sometimes sell treated or imitation gems to unsuspecting buyers. Purchasing from a reputable jeweller with decades of gemmological expertise ensures that your investment is genuine, responsibly mined, and professionally graded. Prins & Prins’s gemmologists verify every tanzanite we sell, guaranteeing both origin and integrity.
Understanding Tanzanite Quality — The Four Cs Reimagined
While diamonds are graded using the familiar Four Cs (colour, clarity, cut, and carat), tanzanite demands a slightly different approach.
Colour:
The most prized tanzanites display a deep, velvety blue-violet hue with flashes of red or burgundy under certain light. This mesmerising pleochroism — the ability to show different colours when viewed from different angles — is one of tanzanite’s defining features.
Clarity:
High-quality tanzanite is typically eye-clean, meaning inclusions are invisible without magnification. Natural features are common and acceptable when they do not detract from brilliance — a reminder of each gem’s unique geological origin.
Cut:
Cutting tanzanite requires exceptional skill. A master cutter understands how to position the crystal so that its truest colours come alive. At Prins & Prins, our craftsmen ensure each facet maximises brilliance while preserving carat weight.
Carat:
Larger tanzanites are rarer and command higher prices, though fine colour often outweighs size in determining value. Whether set in an elegant pendant or a bespoke ring, each gem is selected for balance, proportion, and radiance.
Certification and Authenticity — Proof of Origin
Because tanzanite is sometimes imitated or artificially enhanced, independent certification is essential when purchasing this rare gem. A recognised grading report from respected laboratories such as GIA or EGL confirms that the gem is natural, untreated, and accurately described according to professional standards.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, every tanzanite is carefully examined and verified by qualified gemmologists. Each piece is accompanied by a certificate detailing its quality and characteristics, ensuring full transparency and confidence in the authenticity of your chosen jewel — a true gem of Africa, found only in Tanzania’s Merelani Hills.
Setting and Design — Where Craftsmanship Meets Colour
Tanzanite’s luminous tones invite inspired design. Whether paired with diamonds or framed in warm yellow or cool white gold, the gem’s vivid hues create striking contrast.
Inside Huguenot House — our heritage atelier in the heart of Cape Town — master goldsmiths craft bespoke tanzanite jewellery that highlights the gem’s depth of colour and symbolic meaning. From classic solitaires to contemporary halo settings, each piece is designed to endure as both art and heirloom.
Our designers often combine tanzanite with diamonds to enhance brilliance or with fine filigree detailing to echo the architectural elegance of the Cape Dutch period. The result is jewellery that feels timeless, refined, and unmistakably South African.
Caring for Your Tanzanite
Though durable, tanzanite is softer than diamond and requires gentle care. A few professional guidelines will help preserve its beauty:
- Avoid harsh chemicals — clean only with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth.
- Store separately from other jewels to prevent scratching.
- Remove before exercise or cleaning to protect from accidental knocks.
- Schedule periodic professional cleaning — Prins & Prins offers inspections and maintenance to keep each piece radiant.
Proper care ensures that your tanzanite remains brilliant for generations, its colour as captivating as the day it was set.
Why Buy Tanzanite in Cape Town
Cape Town offers an experience that goes beyond purchase — it is where artistry, heritage, and natural beauty converge. Within the historic walls of Huguenot House, Prins & Prins Diamonds brings together decades of gemmological expertise, ethical sourcing, and bespoke design.
Whether you are a local collector or an international visitor exploring Table Mountain, the Winelands, and the city’s cultural heart, your visit to Prins & Prins connects you to Africa’s gemstone story. Every client is guided personally by our experts, ensuring that your tanzanite is chosen with knowledge, care, and integrity.
For those researching before their visit, our online collection showcases a curated range of fine Tanzanite Jewellery Cape Town — each piece hand-selected for its quality, craftsmanship, and provenance.
A Jewel with a Legacy
Purchasing tanzanite is far more than an act of adornment; it is a celebration of nature’s artistry and Africa’s geological heritage. As global supplies diminish, owning a piece of tanzanite becomes both a personal treasure and a link to one of the earth’s most extraordinary creations.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we believe that true luxury lies in authenticity — in knowing where your gem came from, how it was crafted, and why it endures. From mine to masterpiece, every tanzanite we present carries a story of beauty, rarity, and respect for the earth that shaped it.
When you choose your tanzanite with us, you do more than acquire a jewel — you invest in a legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, and South African heritage.
To view our latest designs or speak with one of our gemmologists, visit our showroom at Huguenot House in Cape Town — the historic home of natural diamonds and fine coloured gems. Explore the collection online at Tanzanite Jewellery Cape Town and discover the African gem that continues to enchant the world.
