Tanzanite

Tanzanite, a deep blue to violet colour gemstone found exclusively in Tanzania.

Nineteen48 has responsibly sourced tanzanites from a small-scale mine in northern Tanzania.

Tanzania has been a source of gemstones for decades. Most of the gem mining is either artisanal or small-scale (ASM). It is known for being the country where we find tanzanite, probably its most famous gemstone, which is much rarer than diamond. Other gemstones mined in Tanzania include sapphire, ruby, spinel and tsavorite garnet.

Miners often work in small teams using only hand tools, but there are also mines with some more advanced mechanisation. Gem mining has become an important part of the Tanzanian economy and mining overall is a significant employer, often providing income in communities where the opportunities to make a living are limited.

Gemstone mining in Tanzania is primarily overseen by the Ministry of Minerals and the Mining Commission, but there are also a number of other trade bodies and associations that represent the sector.

Established in the UK by Gary Roberts, Rubyfair pioneered a fully traceable supply of gemstones from mine to retailer from 2008 - 2016.

The project began a community-level, gemstone mining partnership near Mahenge in Tanzania that connected the artisanal miners directly with UK jewellers. The mine produced both rubies and spinels, which are sold untreated.

Since 2017, Nineteen48 has overseen the sale of Rubyfair stones, so that the brand could maintain its strict ethical stance. These commitments include fair compensation, safe working conditions, environmental land reclamation, a total ban on child labour and supporting local mining communities.