Natural Tsavorite Garnet 1.52ct Oval Cabochon

A deep forest green runs right through this oval cabochon, dark and saturated around the rim and opening into a brighter grass-green where light reaches the thinner upper margin. The cabochon is well rounded, with a glassy luster. Internal fractures cross the crown and catch the light as broad silvery-white flashes, with finer fissures branching around them, setting bright reflective planes against the dark green. Along the lower rim a few small nicks and patches of natural unpolished surface remain, sitting low where a setting would cover them. Face up the stone is semi-transparent, holding its color with real depth rather than glowing through.

Tsavorite comes from a narrow geological belt running through northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, and Tanzanian material accounts for much of what reaches the market. This stone is untreated. Grossular garnet takes a fine polish, and a domed cabochon of this size suits a pendant where the depth of color can be read straight on. As a garnet, it also serves as a January birthstone.

Natural tsavorite garnet, January birthstone, untreated, sold loose.