A Tanzanite Story by Shimansky

A mountain in Tanzania kept a secret locked in stone for 585 million years… Then in 1967 a Maasai tribesman noticed unusual blue crystals glinting in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. He’d found Tanzanite, a previously unknown gemstone that exists in only one place on Earth, in a mining area smaller than the V&A Waterfront itself.

Geologists calculate this single deposit is 1 000 times rarer than diamond. They also predict the supply of Tanzanite will be exhausted within our lifetime. Every Tanzanite that enters the market today represents not just beauty, but a countdown. A geological closing night. A final act that you can have front row seats for simply by visiting the Shimansky boutique at the V&A Waterfront.

Tanzania meets Table Mountain

Soft lighting illuminates the finest selection of tanzanite jewellery, masterfully crafted at the Waterfront workshop using South African gold and platinum, and designed to let the rare and beautiful gemstone tell its story.

Expert consultants explain how Tanzanite forms, what makes certain stones investment-grade. They’ll demonstrate trichroism (three colours) in real-time, rotating stones under different lights so you witness the colour transformation yourself.

One of the only trichroic gemstones known, Tanzanite can display three colours within the same gemstone: shades of blue, violet and red. The prevailing colour depends on whether the gem is cut and polished from the long or the short axis of the crystal-shaped rough Tanzanite; the more intense the rich royal blue or vibrant violet, the better the quality.

An African treasure

The choice of colour depends on your personal preference. No two stones are identical, each carrying its own personality. Delicate pendants capture ethereal quality. Earrings frame faces with shifting colour. Statement rings command attention. Tennis bracelets of multiple stones create rivers of blue-violet fire. For collectors, there are investment-grade loose Tanzanite stones in various cuts and carat weights, ready for custom design or as a keepsake.

Ethical practice

Shimansky maintains complete transparency from mine to masterpiece, having established direct partnerships with the Maasai communities who steward Tanzania’s sole Tanzanite deposit. It’s a relationship built over decades, rooted in mutual respect and ethical practice. Every Tanzanite over one carat is accompanied by an origin certification and grading report detailing its origin, colour grade and clarity grade.

A crucial moment

Current mining estimates suggest the deposit of gem quality will be exhausted within 10 to 20 years. After that, Tanzanite becomes exclusively an inheritance stone passed down through families and guarded by collectors. Economists call the present day ‘peak Tanzanite.’ Collectors see it as the last opportunity. Gem-quality, flawless Tanzanite over ten carats is already becoming rare, with few discoveries in the past 12 months.

Tanzanite exists in one place, for one generation, with no encores once the final curtain falls. For now, you can still walk into the Shimansky store and hold this rare and remarkable gemstone in your hand. Fall in love with a unique jewellery piece and take home an irreplaceable treasure (destined to become a priceless heirloom) that captures the essence of Africa.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 8pm
Contact 021 425 9888, [email protected]
Where to find it Shop 7228, Upper Level V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Shop Now

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.