6×4 mm oval tanzanite pendant in a sterling silver marquise setting. The frame—hammered flat square wire formed into a marquise shape—embraces the stone with a geometry that enhances its blue-violet pleochroism. Includes a 60 cm stainless steel chain.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Tanzanite (zoisite, tanzanite variety) |
| Stone Dimensions |
6×4 mm (oval) |
| Piece Dimensions |
Handcrafted marquise frame — see image |
| Setting |
Hammered flat square 925 silver wire, marquise shape |
| Chain Included |
Stainless steel, 60 cm |
| Finish |
Mirror polish on the stone; hammer texture on the frame |
| Hardness |
6.5 – 7 Mohs — we recommend for pendants or earrings; avoid daily wear rings |
| Origin |
Tanzania (Merelani Hills, Kilimanjaro slopes) |
| Treatment |
Heated at low temperature — universal standard in the gemological industry |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece |
This Specific Piece
This tanzanite piece exhibits its trichroism: from the long axis, it shows cobalt blue; when turned towards incandescent light, it shifts to warm violet. The marquise setting exposes the crown at different angles, activating this optical mobility without filters.
The hammered flat square wire creates subtle reflection planes that accompany the play of light without competing with it — a classic goldsmithing technique that gives the piece rigidity for daily wear as a pendant.
How Tanzanite Color Forms
Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite whose blue-violet color comes from trace amounts of vanadium in its orthorhombic crystal lattice. In rough form, crystals appear brownish-yellow; heating to 400–500 °C stabilizes the color centers and shifts the spectrum towards blue-violet. This treatment is universal, declared, and does not alter the stone's durability.
What Settings It Works For
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925 silver or platinum smithing — 6.5–7 Mohs hardness requires avoiding direct impacts. The marquise frame well illustrates silver's possibilities in free molding.
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Open bezels or window settings — allow light to enter through the pavilion and enhance the blue-violet pleochroism.
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Fine wire wrap (28–30 AWG) — an alternative for those who work with handcrafted settings; the oval shape facilitates anchoring.
Tanzanite in Gemological Tradition
Discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills (Tanzania) and marketed by Tiffany & Co. under the name "tanzanite," this variety of zoisite comes from an area of ~7 km² at the foot of Kilimanjaro — its only location worldwide. The GIA added it to the December birthstone list in 2002.
In crystal tradition, tanzanite is associated with mental clarity and transformation processes. It is considered a companion stone in times of change, linked to authentic communication and the ability to see with perspective.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to Recognize Genuine Tanzanite
Genuine tanzanite is strongly pleochroic: it shows blue, violet, and occasionally red-brown depending on the axis and type of light. A glass imitation will have a uniform color without this angular variation. Tanzanite has good transparency and a characteristic vitreous luster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has this tanzanite been treated?
Yes. Like over 99% of commercial tanzanite, it has been heated at low temperature (400–500 °C) to stabilize its blue-violet color. This is a standard, accepted, and declared treatment in the industry, with no additional detectable treatment.
Is it suitable for daily wear?
Suitable for regular use as a pendant or earring. We do not recommend it for daily wear rings: cleavage on one plane makes it vulnerable to impacts. Store separately from diamonds, rubies, or sapphires.
How do I care for this pendant?
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and lukewarm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and chemicals. See the complete guide at Jewelry Care.
Are the measurements exact?
The stone measures nominally 6×4 mm. The total dimensions of the pendant may vary by ±0.5 mm as it is a handmade setting. Refer to the image for general proportions.
See also: other handcrafted pendants | silversmithing collection.
