Sapphire Engagement Rings
Tough enough for a ring worn every day. Hardness 9.
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Gemstone engagement rings / Tanzanite
Is a tanzanite engagement ring a good idea?
Tanzanite is a vivid violet-blue stone found in only one small area of Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. The colour is extraordinary. The durability isn’t. Here’s the honest picture.
PK
Parth KananiOctober 2026 · 5 min read
In short: We don’t recommend tanzanite for a ring you’ll wear every day. It’s soft (6–7), can split if knocked, and is sensitive to sudden temperature changes. If you love it, choose a protective setting and treat it as a special-occasion ring.
Violet blue
Illustration
Everyday wear
How well does tanzanite wear?
Better in earrings, pendants or occasional ringsSoft and can split if knocked. Better in earrings and pendants than an everyday ring.
Tanzanite6–7 / 10 hardness
Diamond10 / 10 hardness
Hardness (Mohs scale) is resistance to scratching. Toughness, how well a stone resists chipping and cracking, matters too, which is why our verdict isn't based on hardness alone.
What to know
What jewellers don't always tell you about tanzanite
Found in one place
All tanzanite comes from a small mining area in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. That single source is part of its story, and its price.
Almost always heated
Most tanzanite starts out brownish and is heated to bring out the violet-blue. It’s standard and permanent.
Two colours in one stone
Tanzanite looks bluer or more violet depending on the angle and the light. Many people love that; some find it inconsistent.
Prices
What tanzanite engagement rings cost in the UK
Real prices, not estimates: the range across 9 UK retail listings we checked in October 2026.
From
£278
Typical
£929
Up to
£5,599
High-street 9ct rings run £400–£950. Larger stones in 18ct gold run £2,500–£5,600.
For comparison: a 1ct round diamond solitaire in 18ct white gold costs about £3,900–£5,600 in Hatton Garden, or £1,650–£2,850 with a lab-grown diamond. See our Hatton Garden price guide.
Before you buy
What to ask and check
- 1Choose a bezel or a halo that protects the edges. Tanzanite can split along one direction if knocked.
- 2Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam, and avoid sudden heat (hot pans, saunas).
- 3Look for a saturated violet-blue. Pale, lilac stones cost less but can look washed out.
Which metal?
White gold and platinum keep the violet-blue looking cool and bright.
Which setting?
A diamond halo protects the stone and suits its colour. Keep it low-set so it’s less likely to be knocked.
Ready to look at real rings?
Coloured stones vary far more than diamonds, so see the actual stone in daylight before you commit. Many Hatton Garden jewellers will source a tanzanite for a bespoke ring. Compare them in our independent jeweller reviews, or start designing online.
Compare other gemstones
Or see every stone side by side in our gemstone engagement ring guide.
Common Questions
Is tanzanite good for an engagement ring?+
Not for everyday wear, in our view. It’s soft and can split if knocked. Sapphire gives you a similar blue and is far tougher.
Is tanzanite running out?+
It comes from one small area in Tanzania, so supply is limited. Claims that it will “run out within years” are a common sales line; treat them with caution and don’t let them rush you.
How much does a tanzanite engagement ring cost?+
Across 9 UK retail listings we checked in October 2026, tanzanite engagement rings ranged from £278 to £5,599, with a typical (median) price of £929. High-street 9ct rings run £400–£950. Larger stones in 18ct gold run £2,500–£5,600.
How hard is tanzanite?+
Tanzanite is 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, where diamond is 10. Our verdict: better in earrings, pendants or occasional rings. Soft and can split if knocked. Better in earrings and pendants than an everyday ring.