A-Classification of Tanzanites: Understanding the Subtleties of Color
When you are looking to acquire a tanzanite, there is a chance that in the descriptions of the stones or that the seller will tell you about A, AA (double A) or AAA (triple A).
It is in fact a color classification or color chart.
Be careful, this is not as official as for the diamond so it should be taken with a pinch of salt. Especially since some sellers adapt it a little to their taste. And sometimes some sellers overprice their stones.
Here is a short explanation of what is commonly accepted on the market. This classification therefore relates to the hue and intensity of the color but not to the lightness. For equivalent clarity, the lower you go in the classification below, the higher the price. The price differences between each level are significant.
Classification Below A: Tanzanites in this category can be classified AB or B. They generally have a low color intensity and low saturation. These stones are more affordable and still provide aesthetic appeal. We are looking at very light blue-violet colors compared to what a beautiful tanzanite can be. It is rarely reported because it is not salesmanlike to sell a stone at the bottom of the ranking.
A Grade: A graded tanzanites represent a basic color quality. They may have a distinct hue but with moderate saturation. Here too, it is rarely reported even if we are already on a more marked color.
AA Rating: Top quality tanzanites are AA rated. They generally have a deeper hue and higher saturation. We are starting to be in the typical color of tanzanite.
AA+ classification: We are on a more intense color than previously. We're starting to see some very pretty color but it's not yet the best.
AAA Rating: AAA rated tanzanites are considered the most prestigious in terms of color quality. They exhibit a deep, rich blue-purple hue, with maximum saturation. These stones are rare and highly prized for their exceptional beauty.
Some sellers even go beyond for certain exceptional stones. But in this case we go beyond the letter system, they find a catchy name. Although there are exceptional stones that have an amazing color that you never see, I personally find that sellers who use this over-classification actually tend to overvalue their lower quality stones like passing AA+ for AAAs and thus be able to shift everything to their advantage given that the price follows the trend.
It is not necessarily easy to classify them. It requires a lot of training, there is often a specialist in the big auction houses.
Never forget that there is an element of subjectivity. Don't necessarily believe a seller who tells you it's AAA. Compare with what other sellers offer to try to get an idea.
I am not providing you with a photo per class because depending on the screens you have, the colors are modified and could mislead you. Which could have big consequences because the price difference between an AA and AAA stone is really significant.
Personally, I "trained" in this classification from several people who were responsible for classification in several wholesale companies. This was an essential step to be able to make wholesale purchases. I do not put this classification in my descriptions for fear of losing you. Obviously I set my prices based on this classification. Let me know if you think it's necessary. Or ask me in which category is a stone that you like, I will be happy to answer you.
