Tanzanite changes color with every turn of the hand: in one light it is deep violet, in another it shifts to a cool blue. The same trait that makes it one of the most moving stones in jewellery also means it needs more care than a diamond. At BELLER we clean tanzanite by hand only, never in an ultrasonic cleaner, and we recommend the same rule at home.
What is tanzanite, and why does its color change?
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, discovered in 1967 at the foot of Kilimanjaro, in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. It is the only known deposit of this stone in the world, which alone explains why natural tanzanite is never a mass-market gem. Its defining trait is pleochroism: depending on the angle the light strikes it, the stone shows violet, blue or a deep burgundy. The goldsmith cutting the stone decides which tone dominates in the finished piece, which is why two tanzanites of the same size can look different.
How hard is tanzanite compared with a diamond?
On the Mohs scale, tanzanite rates 6 to 7, while a diamond is 10, and sapphire or ruby is 9. That means tanzanite scratches more easily and reacts to impact differently than the hardest stones: it can fracture along cleavage planes rather than simply chip. This does not stand in the way of wearing a ring or earrings every day, it just calls for the same care you would give any delicate piece: taking it off for manual work and for contact with hard surfaces.
How do you clean tanzanite jewellery at home?
The safest way is to wash tanzanite in lukewarm water with a little mild soap, no detergents and no ammonia, using a soft brush, a toothbrush works well, gently working around the setting. Dry the jewellery afterward with a soft cloth, without rubbing the stone. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam devices: vibration and high heat can deepen the internal fractures that tanzanite, like most gemstones, naturally has. Also avoid hot water and sudden temperature changes, such as a cold stone under warm water.
Why does BELLER clean tanzanite by hand only?
In our workshop we use the ultrasonic cleaner and steam only on the metal itself and on diamonds, sapphires and rubies that are not treated with fillers. Tanzanite, along with pearls, emeralds, tourmalines, garnets, topazes and spinels, we clean by hand only, regardless of whether the jewellery is enrolled in BELLER Care. This is not a shortcut: it is a method matched to the stone, gentler and just as effective, only taking more of the goldsmith's time than a machine would.
How should you wear tanzanite jewellery day to day?
A tanzanite ring taken off for manual work, cleaning, the pool or the gym stays in better shape than one left on the finger regardless of the activity. Chlorine and cleaning products do little to gold, but an impact against a hard surface during physical work is a real risk for any stone under hardness nine. Necklaces and earrings with tanzanite are safer to wear in this respect than rings, since they rarely come into contact with hard objects.
How should you store tanzanite jewellery?
Store a tanzanite ring, earrings or necklace separately, in a soft pouch or in its own compartment in a jewellery box, shielded from other pieces. Harder stones, a diamond or sapphire in the next compartment, for example, can scratch tanzanite on accidental contact, even in storage, not only while worn. Also avoid prolonged, direct sunlight, since intense heat can over time dry out certain stone fillers, though tanzanite itself is color-stable under light.
When should you bring tanzanite to the boutique for inspection?
Once you join BELLER Care, we carry out a free twelve-point inspection once a year, during which the goldsmith checks the tanzanite's setting and the prongs under a magnifying glass, and at every visit we clean the jewellery for free, by hand, at the counter. If you notice the stone shifting in its setting, or a new scratch on the surface, do not wait for the next scheduled inspection: we tighten the setting for free as soon as the inspection confirms it is loose. We welcome you to the boutique at Mokotowska 71 in Warsaw and to the boutique at Szczepańska 9 in Krakow, where we will assess the stone in person.
Where can you see BELLER's tanzanite jewellery?
In our workshop we set tanzanite in the B.One collection, where a single natural gemstone is the main feature of the ring, and in the Your Way collection, which we design together with you from the first sketch. Rings, earrings and necklaces with tanzanite in our range start at 3,550 PLN, always in 585 or 750 gold, in three colors: white, yellow and rose. You can see and try on every piece at both our boutiques, and if you would rather start on screen, take a look at our gemstone ring collection and our natural gemstones page, stones we source ourselves for the workshop.
Frequently asked questions about caring for tanzanite
Does tanzanite fade in sunlight?
No, natural tanzanite is color-stable and does not fade from light. The color shift you see as the stone moves is pleochroism, a natural trait of its crystal structure, not a sign of aging.
Can I wear a tanzanite ring in the shower?
Brief contact with water does not harm the gold or the stone, but shampoo and shower gel leave a residue on the setting that dulls its shine. It is better to take the ring off before showering and clean it by hand afterward, following the method above.
Can tanzanite be polished like gold?
We polish the gold around the stone, protecting the stone while we do. We do not polish tanzanite itself, since polishing removes a layer of material and has no use on a cut stone, only on metal.
Does all BELLER tanzanite jewellery come with a certificate?
Yes, every piece of jewellery from our workshop, tanzanite included, comes with a certificate of authenticity bearing a unique number, which describes the stone and allows you to join BELLER Care.
Is tanzanite suitable for a ring worn every day?
Yes, with ordinary care: taking it off for manual work and sport, and a regular check of the setting at the boutique. A hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale is enough for daily wear, though it calls for more attention than a diamond or sapphire.