Green Grossularite. Green Garnet. Green Tsavorite. In the garnet family of gems, it was discovered in 1967 by Dr. Campbell R. Bridges and was named in honor of the Tsavo National Park near where it was found in Kenya. Although originally discovered in Tanzania, Tanzanian government would not allow the necessary permits in order for the stones to be exported. Undeterred, Dr. Bridges kept searching until he discovered them in 1971, as I told you, in the Tsavo National Park. Thankfully, Kenya allowed the exportation. In 1974, Tiffany & Co. ran a marketing campaign, really launching the stone into the emeraldesque-lime-light. This relatively young gemstone is just stunning. In spite of its imitation of the emerald with its vivid green, tsavorite is much tougher. Tsavorite is not as likely to crack or splinter as a result of carelessness, so it is perfect for all of you who are so rough and tough on your fine jewelry…here’s looking at you, bejeweled gym rats. It handles the popular ‘invisible setting,’ in which the stones are set close to one another, a setting which shouldn’t be used with the more delicate emerald. To summarize, tsavorite is quite brilliant, in more than one aspect.
Have an infinitely modern day!
Claudia Endler Designs
