History
Tanzanite is a gemstone with a story as captivating as its stunning blue-violet colour. This gem was only discovered in 1967, making it one of the youngest gemstones in the world compared to ancient treasures like diamonds and rubies. Tanzanite's journey from a hidden gem to a global sensation is a tale of both nature's wonder and human curiosity.
The hills where Tanzanite was found were once thought to be ordinary, with nothing remarkable about them. But beneath the surface, in the heart of Tanzania, the Earth had been working its magic for millions of years. The gemstone itself formed under unique conditions—deep underground, in a place where heat and pressure combined just perfectly to create its vibrant blue-violet hues.
In the mid-1960s, Manuel de Souza, a tailor from Goa—a former Portuguese colony in India—was living in Arusha, Tanzania, where he made uniforms for the army. However, his heart truly belonged to prospecting, a passion that led him to search not just for gold, but for minerals and gemstones. His adventurous spirit eventually brought him to the rugged and remote Merelani Hills, a region nestled in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 19,341 feet.
This vast and sparsely populated area, rich in gems and minerals, is also home to the Maasai people—a simple, tribal community who live off the land in traditional ways with their cattle. It was in this extraordinary landscape that de Souza stumbled upon what he initially thought were sapphire crystals. But these stones, with their mesmerizing blue-violet hues, were something entirely new.
Unsure of what he had found, de Souza turned to John Saul, a geologist who was mining aquamarine near Mount Kenya. Saul, equally puzzled by the crystals, decided to send them to his father, Hyman Saul, who was the vice president of Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. Recognizing the potential significance of the find, Saul Senior took the crystals to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including the Gemmological Institute of America, Harvard University, the British Museum, and Heidelberg University. Each of these esteemed institutions confirmed that the stones were a unique variety of the mineral Zoisite.
Hyman Saul showed some faceted samples of this stone to Henry Platt from Tiffany’s who fell in love with it. When Tiffany & Co. learned of this incredible discovery, they immediately saw the potential for something truly special. He than decided to start the production of this beautiful gem and renamed it from Blue Zoisite to Tanzanite giving due respects and honour to the host nation, highlighting the rarity and exotic beauty of this newfound treasure.
Tiffany’s in fact had a very strong marketing campaign in those days, they advertised the stone saying “Tanzanite can be found only in TWO places in the entire world, in Tanzania and in Tiffany’s !!
Their introduction of Tanzanite to the world was met with great enthusiasm, and the gem quickly became a favourite among jewellers and collectors for its stunning colour and the enchanting story of its discovery, forever linking it to the majestic land where it was found.
But perhaps what makes Tanzanite truly special is its connection to Tanzania and the Maasai people, who have embraced the gem as a symbol of new beginnings. It’s a gemstone that tells a story—not just of geological wonder, but of cultural heritage and the interconnectedness of all people with the land from which it comes.
Beyond its breath-taking beauty, Tanzanite has a special place in the hearts of those who wear it. This gem isn’t just admired for its stunning colours; it’s also cherished for the feelings it inspires. Many believe that Tanzanite carries calming properties, gently soothing the mind and spirit. It's said to help with communication and intuition, making it a gem that not only dazzles the eyes but also nurtures the soul
Tanzanite is often given as a meaningful gift, especially to celebrate the 24th wedding anniversary. It symbolizes lasting love and deep connection, reflecting the enduring bond between two people who have shared so much together. Just as Tanzanite’s colours shift and change, revealing new beauty from every angle, a long-lasting relationship continues to grow and evolve, becoming more precious with time. When you give or wear Tanzanite, you're not just celebrating its natural elegance—you're embracing the warmth and love it represents, a token of the deep connections that make life so special.