"Our father was the first geologist on the tanzanite deposits. He was the one who introduced tanzanite to Tiffany's in New-York in the late 60's. And we, his sons, are carrying over a similar passion for tanzanite and other quality gemstones."
News and updates
A new color-change garnet deposit was discovered late 2011 in the province of Lindi (southern Tanzania). A few very nice pieces were discovered including a very rare and impressive 11.73 cts gem.
An interesting article by Christian Wright in Condé Nast Traveler about purchasing gemstones while traveling abroad...
We recently purchased a very nice lot of tsavorites from the ... tanzanite mines in Mererani! The miners were trying to produce Tanzanites, and ran into a series of exceptional Tsavorite pockets!
We've uploaded a few new African demantoids and thought we would quickly write about them.
Swala Gem Traders has pulled out a beautiful authentic Paraiba Tourmaline to match it with a superb high end Mahenge Spinel. We wanted to share the stunning color combination with you.
Swala Gem Traders is pleased to announce that they recently purchased a large amount of very high end tsavorites. These tsavorites are very rare in quality. The quantity produced is also quite unusual.
This 130 carat tanzanite was cut last year. Everything about this gem is nice: color, size, clarity, cut. This tanzanite is obviously too heavy to be worn. It's either a museum piece or a collector's item, not really an everyday ring.
Just a few pictures of the Winza corundum (ruby and sapphire). Swala Gem Traders had financed a team of ruby and sapphire miners in Winza. Multiple kilos of Winza corundum were brought back to us. Obviously, much of rubies and sapphires were either useless or of cabochon quality. Plenty smaller pieces (0.3-0.4cts) were beautiful and facetable. A few larger and very attractive pieces (above 3 cts) were also cut.
Dear friends and customers,
In our business, one often hears "FROM THE MINE TO YOUR RING!". At Swala Gem Traders, this phrase corresponds to reality. Our gems come from our own mines or are purchased from African small miners at our buying office in northern Tanzania. Many of the rough stones are then cut by our own cutters.
The 2009 Gem Safari, held in August 2009, will be divided in three parts:
. mine visits
. a couple of days in Arusha seeing and purchasing rough and cut gems
. a few days on safari
We've put a few videos online to show how we mine our tsavorites at Lemshuko (northern Tanzania). Click on "read more" if you wish to see these videos.
"Spinel: resurrection of a classic" is a nice overview of red spinels (including the Mahenge spinels of course) around the world. Article by Vincent Pardieu, with Richard Hughes
Reportage radio (cliquer plus bas) - "Pierre precieuse aux reflets bleus, pourpre et bronze, la Tanzanite a ete decouverte dans les annees 60 au pied du Kilimandjaro. Elle est aujourd'hui taillee et polie en Inde... c' est une entreprise sud africaine qui en a le quasi monopole de la distribution.... Et, 80 % de la production est vendue par les bijoutiers americains..." Le marche de la Tanzanite a travers le monde, reportage de Corinne Mandjou.
Few travelers arrive in Tanzania without having heard the magic word "TANZANITE". It's a one-of-a-kind gemstone found in the Massai country of Tanzania, right in sight of Mount Kilimanjaro.
In October 2007, my brother Mark called while I was travelling in Europe to let me know he suspected that Tanzania was unveiling yet another gem deposit. "I think we're on top of something big again. An important spessartite discovery seems to have taken place in the northern part of the country".
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Swala Gem Traders is the Ambassador to Tanzania for the


It looks much much better to the eye than your website picture and actually larger than I expected. I've never seen anything like it before.
RF - USA
My EC tsavorite has found a home in a lovely art deco-esque ring. The color of the tsavorite is incredible and it looks absolutely beautiful set. Thank you soooo very much for recommending it!
BT - USA
The color is phenomenal and BRIGHT! So lovely. Thanks so much, Eric!
CT - USA
The gems have been received thank you. Your service is excellent and I would refer you to anyone looking for tanzanite or other gemstones.
EW - Australia
The tsavorite is absolutely beautiful and I couldn't be happier with it.
JA - USA
The stone is so beautiful, just a gorgeous color of green and so sparkly. This is going into a ring as a present for someone else, and I must say I'm a bit sad I can't keep it for myself. A tsavorite is now on the top of my 'must have' list.
JK - USA
Love the hot pink, it's a pretty surreal gem colour, and the emerald cut.
KI - Australia
the gem is beautiful! my wife loves it! thanks again for the terrific recommendation!
YS - South Africa
I did receive the gem today. Â Thank you very much. Â The color is fantastic. Â The stone seems to glow an electric green color.
KMcG - Canada
I received the stone this afternoon; I am certainly impressed and will definitely be calling on you again in the future.
CB - Australia