Tanzanite in Cape Town — Africa's Rarest Gem
/ˈdʌɪəmənd/a hard, rare and precious, colourless carbon mineral
Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite found only in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania – making it over 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. At The Diamond Works Institute in Cape Town, you can see tanzanite cut and polished live, explore a curated collection of tanzanite jewellery, and book a complimentary guided tour – the only experience of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you are searching for tanzanite rings, pendants, or a bespoke piece, our GIA-certified gemologists and master goldsmiths are here to help.
Est. 2001
What Makes Tanzanite 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.
Tanzanite Jewellery: 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 Tanzanite Cutting and Polishing Process Explained
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.
Tanzanite and Diamond Jewellery: Crafted to Last a Lifetime
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
The Diamond Works Institute has welcomed guests from around the world since 2001. Our GIA-certified team has guided thousands of visitors through the tanzanite journey — from understanding the gem’s origin to selecting the perfect piece. With a 4.6-star rating across 167+ reviews, we are proud to be Cape Town’s most trusted tanzanite destination.
Book the Sparkling Tour - Complimentary Tanzanite Experience
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzanite
What is tanzanite and where does it come from?
Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, found only in a 4km strip of land in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. First discovered in 1967, it is over 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Its single-source origin and limited supply make it one of the world’s most sought-after coloured gemstones.
Is tanzanite rarer than diamonds?
Yes. Tanzanite is considered over 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Diamonds are mined across multiple continents; tanzanite comes from a single 4km strip of land in Tanzania. With total reserves estimated at 109 million carats and one mine in operation, its supply is finite – making now a strong time to acquire a quality stone.
What makes one tanzanite more valuable than another?
Tanzanite is graded on colour saturation, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Deep violetish-blue stones with strong saturation and minimal inclusions command the highest prices. Stones above 5 carats in fine colour are particularly rare, representing less than 0.13% of all tanzanite mined globally. Our GIA-certified gemologists assess every stone against these criteria before it enters our collection.
Can I commission a custom tanzanite ring or pendant in Cape Town?
Yes. The Diamond Works Institute offers a full bespoke service for tanzanite jewellery in Cape Town. You choose your stone with guidance from our GIA-certified gemologists, then collaborate with our master goldsmiths to design a custom ring, pendant, or earrings — crafted on-site in our Cape Town workshop using CAD design and a 3D wax model fitting.
Is tanzanite suitable for everyday wear?
Tanzanite rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for fine jewellery with careful handling. It is best suited to earrings, pendants, and occasion wear rings. For engagement rings, a protective bezel or channel setting is recommended. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners – clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth only.
Is tanzanite a good long-term investment?
High-quality tanzanite has appreciated in value over time due to finite supply. With reserves estimated at 109 million carats and the Merelani mine’s life forecast to the 2040s, scarcity is a primary value driver. Top-grade stones – deeply saturated, above 5 carats – are increasingly sought by collectors as a long-term store of value.
What is the difference between tanzanite and sapphire?
Tanzanite and sapphire share blue-violet hues but are distinct gemstones. Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite found only in Tanzania; sapphire is a variety of corundum mined across multiple countries. Sapphire rates 9 on the Mohs scale versus tanzanite’s 6.5–7. Tanzanite also exhibits stronger pleochroism, displaying violet, blue, and burgundy hues from different angles.
How do I know if tanzanite is real?
Purchase only from a trusted jeweller who provides a certificate of authenticity. Synthetic tanzanite does not currently exist commercially, though imitations do. At The Diamond Works, every tanzanite piece is certified and sourced through verified ethical suppliers. Our GIA-certified gemologists are available to assess any stone and guide you through authentication during your visit.