Nothing puts the finishing touches on a holiday outfit quite like tanzanite.

Pearls, diamonds, and other gemstones certainly have their place, but when it comes to the holidays, the captivating, color-changing drama of tanzanite will be sure to make you (or at least your jewelry) the center of attention.

As the name suggests, true tanzanite originates in Tanzania, an East African country known for the Serengeti National Park and Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Tanzanite is found in the country’s northern hills, in a region called Merelani, and nowhere else in the world. 

This gem is famed as much for its rarity as it is for its deep, saturated blue-to-violet hues. It’s known as “pleochroic,” meaning it appears to be three different colors when viewed from different angles. Experienced gem cutters can craft the gem into a number of different cuts that showcase a range of dynamic shades. 

Tanzanite also happens to be the birthstone for December, making it even more fitting for this time of year.

If you’re as intrigued as we are by this gemstone, you’ll love these designs highlighting tanzanite’s incomparable beauty.

For unique jewelry nobody else at your holiday event will be wearing, or to find a one-of-a-kind jewelry gift, look no further than Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers. Call or stop in today.