Tanzanite's vivid color and affordable price point compared to sapphires, many jewelry wearers are drawn to tanzanite for everyday wear. However, there are a few factors to consider when deciding if tanzanite is suitable for wearing every day.
Durability
Compared to diamonds and sapphires, tanzanite ranks around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it less durable than those stones. This means it can get scratched more easily during daily activities. Diamonds rank 10 and sapphires rank 9, so they can better withstand scrapes from brushes with hard surfaces. If you have an active lifestyle and work with your hands frequently, tanzanite may not hold up well over time with constant wear. The safest bet for rough daily use is a diamond or sapphire.
That said, with proper care, tanzanite can work for everyday wear for those with less active lifestyles. Try to avoid banging the stone against hard surfaces that could cause chips or scratches. Remove tanzanite jewelry before doing housework, yardwork or other vigorous physical activities. Store the jewelry safely when not being worn. With cautious treatment, tanzanite can withstand normal light office work and similar daily routines.
Color Change
One of the signature features of tanzanite is its trichroic property. This means it naturally displays different colors depending on the viewing angle. While blue-violet is the most common and coveted shade, tanzanite can also appear blue, purple, burgundy and green. This color variability can be part of tanzanite's appeal. However, the color change is caused by the gem's vulnerability to ultraviolet light. With prolonged, frequent exposure to UV light, such as in sunlight, tanzanite's blue tones will eventually fade to brown or gray. This process happens faster than with many other gemstones.
To enjoy tanzanite's magical color-shifting effects for years to come, limit its direct sun exposure. Wearing it daily means taking care to keep the stone protected. Avoid prolonged contact with sunlight when wearing tanzanite rings, pendants or earrings everyday. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds or tools should also be avoided. With proper precautions, tanzanite can be worn daily without significant color loss over time.
Value Depreciation
As a relatively new and abundantly available gemstone, tanzanite has a lower per-carat price compared to diamonds, sapphires and rubies. While large, high-clarity specimens can run into the thousands per carat, most everyday jewelry-sized stones are modestly priced. This makes tanzanite more budget-friendly for daily wear. However, it also means tanzanite has higher value depreciation compared to raer gems. The market is susceptible to new tanzanite finds and treated stones that can lower prices.
If you are concerned about resale value down the road, tanzanite may not be the best choice for a daily wear stone. Sapphires and rubies tend to maintain their worth better in jewelry. But if you simply love the color of tanzanite and plan to enjoy its beauty for years to come, the lower replacement cost makes it less risky for daily wear. Just be sure to buy high quality, untreated stones from reputable dealers. Avoid extremely large or extremely inexpensive stones, which are more likely to be artificially treated or created synthetically.
Overall, with some basic precautions, tanzanite can be a lovely option for everyday jewelry. Avoid exposure to hard impacts, chemicals and prolonged sunlight. Store it safely when it's off your body. And be aware that you may need to replace the stone years down the road if it gets too scratched or faded over time. For many tanzanite fans, the ability to wear this mesmerizing gem every day is worth the extra care and cost required. With its stunning violet tones and relative affordability, tanzanite offers beautiful versatility for jewelry worn 24/7.
