Featured: The Twelve Blossoms Sapphire Earrings from the PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN High Jewellery Collection, crafted in 18k White Gold.
Blue has long been the colour of elegance, depth, and timeless allure in the world of gemstones. Among the most coveted blue gems, Sapphire and Tanzanite stand out - both striking, yet profoundly different in history, rarity, and character.
Read on to discover key facts and unlearn a few common misconceptions about these two captivating gems.
Colour Cousins
Though often mistaken for one another, Sapphire and Tanzanite are entirely different gemstones that simply share an affinity for blue. Sapphire, a variety of corundum and one of the hardest minerals on earth, has been treasured for centuries. Tanzanite, by contrast, is a rare form of zoisite discovered only in the 20th century.
Sapphires are most celebrated for their vivid, velvety blues, though they occur naturally in a spectrum of colours. Tanzanites, on the other hand, are almost exclusively blue - but what many don’t realise is that most Tanzanites begin their journey looking brownish-red. Their violet-blue hues are revealed through gentle heat treatment, a process that enhances colour and clarity.
The Tanzanite's original colour is showcased on the left. After heat treatment, the stone becomes the violet blue that Tanzanites are well known for. (Image source: GIA)
This practice is widely accepted in the gemstone world. In fact, truly unheated specimens are exceptionally rare - representing less than 5% of Sapphires and less than 1% of Tanzanites available in the market.
Featured: The Hokusai Earrings with a pair of Certified Unheated Tanzanites of 16.46-carats, from the ROMANCE DE L'ART NOUVEAU High Jewellery Collection (left); The Courage of Life Ring with a 5.04-carats Certified Unheated Vivid Blue Sapphire, from the TATTOO High Jewellery Collection (right).
Which Gemstone Has More History or Rarity?
Sapphires have been cherished for centuries, long associated with royalty, wisdom, and fidelity. From ancient talismans to royal engagement rings, its heritage and symbolism are unmatched. Today, this legacy continues to inspire modern High Jewellery creations, where Sapphires are reimagined in bold, contemporary forms of wearable art.
Featured: The Hokusai Earrings set with a pair of Certified Unheated Vivid Blue Sapphires, from the ROMANCE DE L'ART NOUVEAU High Jewellery Collection.
Tanzanite, by contrast, is a modern discovery - found only in 1967 and sourced exclusively from one location near Mount Kilimanjaro. This limited origin makes Tanzanite significantly rarer, giving it an allure rooted not in history, but in exclusivity and scarcity.
Featured: The Tanzanite Medley Earrings set with a total of 4.73 carats of Tanzanites, from the RHAPSODY High Jewellery Collection.
Caring for Sapphires and Tanzanites
With a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Tanzanite is softer and requires more care, but its extraordinary colour play and rarity make it highly desirable, particularly for collectors drawn to something contemporary and unique.
Sapphire, on the other hand, ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, placing it just below Diamond in durability. This resilience has made it a popular choice for engagement rings and heirloom jewellery, a gemstone that truly stands the test of time.
Choosing Between Sapphires and Tanzanites
Selecting between Sapphire and Tanzanite often comes down to personality and purpose. For those who value tradition, symbolism, and resilience, Sapphire is a classic choice. For those drawn to rarity, modern allure, and striking colour shifts, Tanzanite offers an irresistible charm.
Ultimately, both gemstones are masterpieces of nature - one timeless, the other contemporary. Whichever you choose, each carries a story of beauty, rarity, and the artistry of jewellery design.
If you would like to view our gemstone jewellery creations featuring Sapphires and Tanzanites, kindly book an appointment to visit us at Maison Simone.
