How Tsavorite became the most expensive of all garnets

By Richard W Hughes

Tsavorite is the name given to the rich green variety of grossular garnet. Campbell Bridges first discovered the gem in Tanzania in 1967. In 1970, Bridges also discovered the Tsavorite in Taita Taveta District. Campbell Bridges and Tiffany’s Henry Platt coined the name Tsavorite in 1974 and is derived from the Tsavo National Park, which lies adjacent to rich deposits of the gem.

While the colour of Tsavorite never equals that of the finest emerald, an emerald-green is the ideal. The colour should be as intense as possible, without being overly dark or yellowish green. Tsavorite garnet generally looks best under daylight. Incandescent light makes it appear slightly more yellowish green.

In terms of clarity, Tsavorite is relatively clean. Thus when buying one should expect eye-clean or near-eye-clean stones. In the market, Tsavorites are found in a variety of shapes and cutting styles. Ovals and cushions are the most common, but rounds are also seen, as are other shapes, such as emerald cuts, trillions, etc.

Tsavorite is among the most expensive of all garnets, with prices similar to those fetched by fine demantoid (the other green garnet). But like all gem materials, low-quality pieces may be available for a few dollars per carat.