Tanzanite Cutting
The art of tanzanite cutting
At The Diamond Works, we showcase only the finest cut tanzanite, each stone selected for exceptional quality and masterful craftsmanship. Our collection represents the pinnacle of cutting expertise, featuring gems that reveal the full splendour of this rare African treasure, found exclusively in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Understanding expert tanzanite cutting
“When selecting a tanzanite for an engagement ring or other piece, colour consistency is crucial,” explains Mark Gieljoumie, The Diamond Works’ GIA certified Gemologist. “A properly cut tanzanite stone transforms as you rotate it, revealing rich blues and violets while maintaining its intensity. That’s what makes these gems truly special.”
The journey from rough crystal to finished gem demands remarkable precision. Professional cutters work with exact angles and measurements to unlock the stone’s natural beauty. Every tanzanite in our Cape Town collection has passed rigorous quality assessments, ensuring superior cut and colour play.
Each rough diamond presents unique characteristics that influence how it should be cut. Much like wood has a grain, diamonds have natural structures that master cutters must work with, not against. These decisions aren’t just about maximising size – they’re about finding the right balance between the stone’s natural features and its final beauty.
“In diamond cutting, we look for proportions between 55% and 65%,” explains Mark Gieljoumie, GIA-certified Gemologist at The Diamond Works. “The stone’s depth from its flat top to pointed bottom should ideally be about 60% of its width. This balance between the crown (top), pavilion (bottom), and girdle (middle) determines how light moves through the stone.”
Each diamond at The Diamond Works undergoes careful assessment on the GIA grading scale from Excellent to Poor. While not every diamond will achieve a perfect cut – nor should it – each stone is evaluated for how well its proportions allow it to interact with light. Natural inclusions (internal characteristics) also play a role, with cutters positioning them thoughtfully to maintain the stone’s beauty and durability.
This careful balance of technical skill and artistic judgment ensures each diamond’s unique characteristics shine through in its final form.
The marks of excellence
Quality-cut tanzanite requires specific expertise. At hardness level 7 on the Mohs scale, these precious stones need precise cutting techniques to enhance their durability while maximising their remarkable colour.
Our gemologists carefully examine each stone’s cut quality, ensuring perfect facet alignment and optimal light performance.
Selecting premium tanzanite cuts
Different cutting styles bring out unique aspects of tanzanite’s character. The most popular cuts for tanzanite rings – oval, cushion, and round brilliant – each offer distinct advantages. “The cushion cut often provides the perfect balance between colour intensity and brilliance,” Gieljoumie notes. “While oval cuts can maximise the stone’s size appearance while maintaining its vivid hue.”
Our master gemologists evaluate each cut tanzanite stone against strict criteria:
- Colour consistency throughout rotation
- Precision of facet alignment
- Quality of polish
- Optimal proportions for maximum brilliance
- Symmetry and overall craftsmanship
Our curated tanzanite collection
Each tanzanite in our showcase represents the finest examples of expert cutting. Whether you’re drawn to a tanzanite engagement ring or a signature piece of jewellery, our collection offers stones that showcase the gem’s natural brilliance at its best.
“We only select tanzanite that meet our exacting standards,” Gieljoumie explains. “When you choose a piece from our collection, you’re getting a stone that’s been cut to reveal its full potential – that perfect balance of colour, brilliance, and durability.”
Join The Sparkling Tour
Experience the art of tanzanite cutting on our complimentary Sparkling Tour. Let our expert gemologists guide you through the fascinating world of Africa’s rarest gem, revealing what makes each cut stone exceptional. Visit our Cape Town showcase to discover the remarkable journey of tanzanite transformation.
FAQS
How do you cut tanzanite?
Tanzanite cutting is a precise process performed by expert craftsmen. The stone is first assessed to determine optimal orientation for colour, then shaped on a specialized cutting wheel. Each facet is carefully placed and polished to enhance the gem’s natural blue-violet colour while ensuring durability. Given tanzanite’s hardness level of 7 on the Mohs scale, this delicate process requires specific expertise to achieve the perfect balance of brilliance and colour intensity.
Which cut is best for tanzanite?
The best cut for tanzanite depends on the rough stone’s characteristics, but cushion and oval cuts are particularly popular. The cushion cut often provides optimal colour saturation while maintaining excellent brilliance. Oval cuts can maximise the stone’s apparent size while preserving its vivid hue. Round brilliant cuts also showcase tanzanite’s natural beauty effectively. Each cut must be precisely executed to enhance the stone’s natural pleochroic properties.
How can you tell a good tanzanite?
A well-cut tanzanite displays consistent colour intensity when rotated, showing rich blue-violet hues throughout. Quality indicators include precise facet alignment, superior polish, and optimal proportions for maximum brilliance. Our gemologists assess each stone’s cut quality, ensuring perfect symmetry and craftsmanship. A superior tanzanite will maintain its vivid colour under different lighting conditions while exhibiting excellent clarity and sparkle.