Tanzanite Cut

Tanzanite is a rare and desirable gemstone that is found in Tanzania, specifically, from Mount Kilimanjaro. This blue gemstone is considered to be 1,000 times rarer than diamonds.

For those who love tanzanite and the sparkle that comes with it, the cut is one of the most difficult decisions one has to make when it comes to purchasing this gemstone. Cut plays an important part in the value and appearance of tanzanite.

In this article, we’ve put together an in-depth guide that will help you choose the perfect cut for yourself or your loved one.

Technical Considerations

A common mistake when cutting tanzanite is when this gemstone is cut based on keeping it as heavy as possible. However, cutting for weight has a negative result on the overall quality and appearance of tanzanite. It can also lead to problems with the gemstones’ symmetry, brilliance level, and windows.

Cabochon Cutting Process

Cabochons are gemstones that have been cut in a specific way meant to show their natural patterns. They are generally oval and flat. They come in different sizes. Cabochons are polished to make them appear sleek and glassy.

From Rough Tanzanite to Tanzanite Jewelry: Cutting Process

Rough tanzanite is a blue color that looks attractive even in its original state. Once this gemstone is cut and polished, it completely transforms into something with much more fire and brilliance. Tanzanite should be cut in a way that maximizes all the beautiful features it has.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to avoid tanzanite that has been cut for weight retention if you want a quality piece. This will ensure that the gemstone doesn’t have a window. A window refers to a hole in the center where no light reflects. It’s not worth having a higher carat weight if it sacrifices the natural beauty of tanzanite.

The best tanzanite cuts are ones that enhance their brilliance and beauty. You can tell if the cut of your tanzanite is good if you can see light sparkling with different movements that you make. The more radiance the gemstone has, the higher quality of the cut.

Natural Versus Lab Created Tanzanite

Tanzanite is one of the few gemstones that haven’t been synthesized yet. This means there is no lab version of tanzanite that is of the same quality with the same properties as natural tanzanite. Some imitations are meant to resemble tanzanite, such as forsterite. However, this still differs from natural tanzanite.

Tanzanite Cut, Described

Tanzanite can be cut in a few different ways to suit people’s preferences. Here are the most popular cuts of this gemstone.

Round Cut

The round cut has always been one of the most sought-after gemstone cuts. The round brilliant cut has 57 facets, each one designed to maximize tanzanite’s brilliance.

Marquise Cut

This cut has been around since the 18th century after King Louis XIV had a diamond cut this way for his mistress. Like the round cut, it also has 57 facets. Two vital factors that give the best light reflection in this cut are symmetry and depth.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is where tanzanite is cut into a square shape. It has anywhere between 58-76 facets. After the round cut, this is the second most popular gemstone cut.

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut is a square shape. However, the corners are smooth and rounded, hence the name “cushion” cut. It’s also called a “pillow cut” at times. Cushion-cut tanzanite gemstones have around 64 facets. They show off the luster well.

Pear Cut

The pear cut is oval. It is sometimes called the “teardrop cut,” due to a pointed side at the top of the oval. It has 71 facets to reflect light and showcase its color.

Trilliant Cut

The brilliant cut is triangular. It has anywhere from 31 to 43 facets. The edges are slightly rounded. The facets in this cut give tanzanite incredible brilliance and emphasize the blue color. It is symmetrical in shape and is perfect for sophisticated jewelry.

Oval Cut

The oval cut is a type of modified brilliant cut. It has similar brilliance and fire to the round cut, but with its own style. It’s a mix of both a round cut and a marquise cut. It has 69 facets. The elongated shape of the oval makes it appear larger than it actually is.

Octagon Cut

The octagon cut is very similar to the emerald cut. It’s a rectangular shape with 53 step-cut facets. The corners of the rectangle are trimmed. This cut is ideal for showing off the depth of the natural blue color in tanzanite.

Heart Cut

The heart cut is simply a pear cut that has a cleft on top of it. It focuses on the fire and sparkle of the gemstone. It has 59 facets, and symmetry is one of the main focuses of this cut.