Rubies were first discovered in Tanzania in the early 1900s.  With further deposits found in the 1960s and 1970s, numerous ruby mining operations were born throughout the country.  Though many mines are still in production today, there was a significant decrease during the 1980s and 1990s, due to newly discovered deposits like Ilakaka in Madagascar.

Tanzanian mines are historically known to produce rough best suited for cabochon-cut stones.  Often the material requires heat treatment to enhance color.  Lot 83 is a rare example of a high quality, faceted ruby from Tanzania of 17.52 carats, with pure color that has not been enhanced.