Tanzanite
/ˈdʌɪəmənd/a hard, rare and precious, colourless carbon mineral
An African Story Written in Violet-Blue: Discover Tanzanite at The Diamond Works Institute
A visit to Cape Town isn’t complete without experiencing The Diamond Works Institute — home to the only live diamond- and tanzanite-polishing studio in the Southern Hemisphere and a renowned destination for tanzanite in Cape Town.
Tanzanite, a gemstone over a thousand times rarer than diamonds, is celebrated for its vivid blue and violet colour. At our Cape Town jewellery studio, master goldsmiths design and craft tanzanite rings, pendants and earrings, each piece meticulously hand-finished to highlight the natural brilliance of this uniquely African gemstone.
Whether you’re searching for authentic tanzanite jewellery, wanting to learn how tanzanite is polished, or looking to buy a once-in-a-lifetime piece in Cape Town, our collection and studio experience bring the beauty of tanzanite to life.
The one-generation gem
Tanzanite is an exceptionally rare gemstone found only in a small area at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This limited geographic origin is one of the key reasons it is considered one of the world’s most sought-after coloured stones. Known for its distinctive ‘velvet blue’ shade, tanzanite is prized by jewellery collectors for its striking colour, natural scarcity, and remarkable formation story.
A defining characteristic of tanzanite is its ability to shift colour under different lighting conditions. This optical effect, called pleochroism, allows the gemstone to display hues ranging from deep sapphire blue to vivid violet. The combination of rarity, vibrant colour, and dynamic visual changes makes tanzanite a gemstone that appeals to buyers looking for something truly special and highly collectible.
From mine to masterpiece
Every tanzanite gem in our collection comes from the world’s only known source: the Merelani Hills in Tanzania. This narrow mining region produces the entire global supply of tanzanite, making each stone exceptionally rare. The Diamond Works Institute works exclusively with responsible mining partners to ensure every gemstone is ethically sourced, sustainably handled, and of exceptional quality.
For those seeking custom tanzanite jewellery, our designers and master craftsmen can create a piece tailored entirely to you. Whether you’re envisioning a bespoke tanzanite engagement ring, a pair of tanzanite earrings, a pendant or necklace, or a unique statement piece, we collaborate closely with you to bring your idea to life. It’s an opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind design that reflects both the beauty of Africa’s most celebrated gemstone and your personal style.
The secret life of tanzanite
Our consultants love explaining how tanzanite transforms from a rough crystal into a finished gemstone. The cutting and polishing stages play a crucial role in revealing its colour, brilliance and overall value, and our team walks visitors through each step of this fascinating process.
You can experience this first-hand through our exclusive tanzanite guided tours. These immersive tours explore the gemstone’s history, the techniques used by expert cutters, and the craftsmanship behind shaping each stone to maximise its colour and clarity. You’ll also see a full spectrum of natural tanzanite shades, from soft violet tones to the rare and highly prized deep blue hues. As you learn how colour saturation influences a tanzanite’s value, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the skill required to bring out the richest possible colours in every gem.
Your visit ends with the opportunity to select your own piece of tanzanite jewellery – a lasting reminder of Africa’s most captivating gemstone.
A match made in heaven: diamonds and tanzanite
The Diamond Works Institute showcases a tanzanite jewellery collection that spans everything from understated everyday designs to bold, show-stopping statement pieces. Each item is crafted to highlight the gemstone’s natural beauty, whether it’s a classic tanzanite solitaire ring, an elegant pendant, or a design enhanced with natural white diamonds for added brilliance and contrast.
These pieces are created to be cherished for a lifetime. Their deep colour, rarity and craftsmanship give them both personal significance and geological importance. Whether you wear your tanzanite ring or pendant as a reminder of your African journey or as a meaningful keepsake, every piece becomes an heirloom that carries a story worth passing on.
“Enjoyment of ownership is so important. I love it when people wear their jewellery, taking immense pleasure and enjoyment in something that holds special meaning for them.”
– Mark Gieljoumie, GIA Gemologist at The Diamond Works Institute
Whether you love jewellery and gemstones, are looking to delve deeper into Africa’s history, or are simply seeking a unique experience in Cape Town, The Diamond Works Institute is your destination of choice. Immerse yourself in a world of diamonds and tanzanite and leave with unforgettable memories – matching the magic and beauty of the stones themselves.
The Sparkling Tour
Discover the world of tanzanite with a complimentary guided museum and showroom tour at The Diamond Works Institute. It’s an opportunity to see rare tanzanite up close, learn about its history and craftsmanship, and explore our full jewellery collection. Book your personalised tour today for an unforgettable, in-person tanzanite experience.