The Tanzanite Foundation

The Tanzanite Foundation is a non-profit, industry supported organisation, dedicated to protecting and promoting Tanzanite. It acts on behalf of all ethical and socially responsible operators and partners in the Tanzanite Industry and implements standardised methods of practice and conduct. The Foundation seeks to deliver a truly ethical route to market in accordance with the Tucson Tanzanite Protocols.The Tanzanite Foundation was formed by TanzaniteOne - the worlds largest ethical miners of Tanzanite and major Tanzanite industry organisations in 2003. A portion of all TanzaniteOne's sales go towards funding The Tanzanite Foundation.

How the Tucson Tanzanite Protocol Protects Tanzanite

The Tucson Tanzanite Protocol (TTP) was developed in 2003 to protect Tanzanite and ensure an ethical route to market.

This proactive step within the jewelry industry was taken to give consumers confidence in tanzanite, to protect the legitimacy of the gem's supply chain, and to foster economic development in all aspects of the gem trade within Tanzania.

The Tucson Tanzanite Protocol ensures relevant Labour Legislation, Safety Regulations and Best Mining Practices are adhered to at all times.

The protocol is a cooperative effort by the government of Tanzania and all of the major industry stakeholders, including miners (Arusha Regional Miners Association, Tanzanian Chamber of Mines), dealers (including the Tanzania Mineral Dealers Association), manufacturers, suppliers and retail jewelers. Industry groups included the American Gem Trade Association, the American Gem Society, the International Color Stone Association, Jewelers of America, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association, and the Jewelers Association of Jaipur.

This is similar to the establishment of the Diamond High Council (HRD) trade organization in 1976, or the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2000. The Kimberley Process was designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering into the mainstream rough diamond market.

With the TTP firmly in place, the Tanzanite Foundation and its members are proud to be able to guarantee an industry free of exploitation and raise the bar for future coloured gemstone trading.

The Mark of Rarity - Your Guarantee of Conflict Free Tanzanite

Finding a stone that has no connection to war, terrorism or undue suffering can be difficult. For this reason we strongly urge you to only purchase Tanzanite bearing the Tanzanite Foundation's Mark of Rarity ^TM.

This seal bears the icon of the Tanzanite Foundation and is your guarantee of quality, authenticity and a conflict-free source of Tanzanite.

The Mark of Rarity ^TM tag is licensed only for use by Tanzanite Foundation Manufacturing Members and Endorsed Stockists.

These parties agree to operate in accordance with legal and ethical employment practices. They are also required to adhere to strict safety standards across the board.

The Tanzanite Foundation is the owner and licensor of the Mark of Rarity ^TM.

Tanzanite Foundation Best Practice Principles:

• Ethical and legitimate route to market.
• Safe working conditions and fair working practices.
• Environmental and social best practice.
• Legal compliance.
• Adherence to the Tucson Tanzanite Protocols.

If you have any questions about our Tanzanite, please call us at 1-219-662-1390 or visit our store located at 126 South Main St in Crown Point, IN 46307.