Discover our Autumn/Winter 2024 Collection

In the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, in a region known as Merelani in northern Tanzania, a spectacular discovery was made in the late 1960s. It was 1967 when Ndugu Jumanne Ngoma - a Maasai tribesman, stumbled upon a cluster of vibrant blue crystals. These crystals were unlike any other gemstone found before, captivating with their intense blue-violet hue. The discovery was initially mistaken for sapphires, but further examination revealed a new and rare gem: tanzanite.

‘‘I found the tanzanite in Merelani, Arusha, in the area called Kiteto at the beginning of January 1967. I was on my way to visit some of my relatives who live in Kiteto, when walking through the bush I saw some crystals of a blue mineral lying on the ground.’’ Ndugu Jumanne Ngoma

Named after its country of origin, tanzanite is found in a small area of just 14 square kilometers near Arusha in the Merelani Hills. This geographical exclusivity has made tanzanite one of the most coveted gemstones in the world.

As its popularity soared, tanzanite became a December birthstone. Its allure lies not just in its striking color, but also in its trichroic nature—displaying three different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different angles.

The gemstone is also thought to promote a sense of balance and harmony, making it beneficial for those seeking to align their chakras and find emotional stability.

Shamballa Jewels is pleased to celebrate this magnificent story of a tanzanite and introduce this gemstone into its component range.

Alongside emeralds, rubies and sapphires, tanzanites are becoming another precious stone that come to life through the Shamballa Jewels art of craftsmanship.

Discover the newest collection here.