Long before dinosaurs, there was Tsavorite
When it comes to gemstones, diamonds, sapphires and rubies often steal the spotlight. However, there is one gem that stands apart — Tsavorite. This vibrant green gemstone is not only exceptionally beautiful, it is also the world’s most expensive garnet. Introduced to the fine jewellery world by Tiffany & Co. (pictured is a tsavorite cuff from their 2017 Blue Book catalogue), it has since become a gemstone worthy of acquisition for any serious jewellery collection.
"Before the Dinosaurs walked, there was Tsavorite"
Tsavorite is a variety of the mineral grossular, belonging to the garnet family. It formed long before dinosaurs trod the earth, its vivid green colour created by trace elements of vanadium and chromium. Tsavorite garnet forms deep within the Earth’s crust under intense heat and pressure, typically within metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss.
Deposits are found primarily in East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Kenya, where the gemstone was first discovered. Despite forming millions of years ago, tsavorite has only been known and promoted within the jewellery industry for the past 50 years.
It was first discovered in the 1960s by British geologist Campbell Bridges in Tanzania. The gemstone takes its name from Tsavo National Park, located near the Tanzanian border. While tsavorite occurs in both countries, the finest stones — displaying the purest green hues — are still found only in Kenya.
The stones Bridges uncovered were remarkable for their intense colour and high transparency. Although early attempts to export them were blocked by the Tanzanian government, permits were eventually granted. In 1974, the gemstone attracted the attention of Tiffany & Co., who embarked on a landmark marketing campaign that introduced tsavorite to the world.
"The Rolls Royce of the Green at Cadillac prices"
Harry Platt of Tiffany & Company (New York) immediately recognised tsavorite’s potential. With its exceptional gemmological pedigree and prices far more accessible than emerald — despite being arguably superior — he championed the stone through bold statement pieces featured in Tiffany’s annual Blue Book.
Tragically, Bridges was murdered in 2009 when he and his son were attacked on their property in Tsavo East National Park. The attack is believed to have been connected to a long-running dispute over access to gemstone mining rights. Despite this, his legacy — and his enduring association with tsavorite — remains firmly intact.
"Tsavorite is expensive due to its rarity and and small size"
This remote, lion-roaming bush along the Kenya–Tanzania border has a history of violent volcanic activity. Because of the extreme geological conditions required for its formation, tsavorite is typically found only in small sizes. Stones over 2.5 carats are considered exceptionally rare.
It is estimated that tsavorite is around 200 times rarer than emerald, yet it does not command emerald prices. Added to this is its exceptional clarity and brilliance. As a garnet, tsavorite is also significantly harder than emerald, making it more durable for everyday wear.
Pictured above is a rough tsavorite crystal mined near Merelani, Tanzania, weighing over 283 carats before being cut into the 177-facet, nearly 117-carat cushion-shaped Lion of Merelani, now on display at the Smithsonian Institution.
"The birthstone for January"
The garnet family is the birthstone for January, and tsavorite in particular is associated with benevolence, vitality, prosperity, vigour and compassion.
Tsavorite is truly a gemstone like no other. Its vivid green colour, extreme rarity and exceptional durability make it one of the most sought-after green gemstones in the world — often surpassing emerald in clarity and wearability. It is a gemstone that deserves attention, its timeless beauty and enduring value marking it as a true treasure to behold.
