1.52 Ct. Tsavorite Garnet from East Africa

This gem is a transparent green tsavorite garnet weighing 1.52 carat, presented in a cushion shape with precise dimensions of 8.22 x 6.63 x 3.24 mm, and executed in a mixed brilliant cut that balances light return and color depth. The stone displays an intense color intensity that reads as a deep, verdant green under standard daylight, with brilliant internal reflections helped by an excellent polish that enhances surface luster and facet crispness. Clarity is evaluated as very very slightly included when viewed at eye level, indicating only minimal internal characteristics that do not impede transparency or visual appeal, and the specimen remains unenhanced, free from any heat treatment, dye, or filling. The origin is East Africa, a region known for producing some of the finest tsavorite material, and each component of the description is supported by careful inspection and measurement during our appraisal process at The Natural Gemstone Company. The combination of carat weight, mixed brilliant faceting, and cushion outline yields a gem with a strong presence for its size, suitable for single stone mountings where color and depth are primary considerations.

The journey of this tsavorite from deposit to market begins in the metamorphic belts of East Africa, where calcium aluminum garnet varieties form under specific geologic conditions that concentrate trace vanadium and chromium, elements responsible for the vivid green tones. Local prospectors locate pockets of gem quality rough within discrete veins and pockets, and the initial recovery is often the result of targeted artisanal mining supported by small scale mechanized operations. Once recovered, rough material undergoes preliminary sorting at field hubs where color, clarity, and crystal habit are evaluated to determine suitability for faceting. Rough specimens with desirable color and sufficient clarity are then transported under secure, documented chains of custody to regional cutting centers where experienced cutters further assess orientation to maximize color saturation and minimize apparent inclusions. Throughout this process The Natural Gemstone Company maintains direct relationships with sourcing partners to ensure traceability, and to promote responsible practices that respect local communities and environments, while documenting provenance to provide confidence to downstream customers.

At the faceting stage the selected rough for this stone was examined for internal features, growth zoning, and crystal orientation, with the cutter choosing a mixed brilliant cutting style to combine facets that emphasize both table brilliance and pavilion fire. The cushion outline was chosen to retain weight while opening the stone to light, avoiding excessive depth that could mute color. The final dimensions were achieved to balance face up spread and depth, producing a table proportion and crown angles that reveal the intense green without introducing windowing or excessive darkening. Precision polishing was applied to each facet junction to achieve an excellent polish, and final quality control included magnified examination to verify the very very slightly included clarity grade at eye level, and to confirm the absence of surface reaching fractures or indications of treatment. The result is a gem that demonstrates skilled lapidary execution, retaining natural material characteristics while offering consistent optical performance, and all grading notes and measurements are recorded by The Natural Gemstone Company for accurate representation.

From the cutting table the gem entered a final appraisal and packaging stage, where it received secure certification, detailed photography, and documentation of its unenhanced status and East African origin. For setting considerations the stone is well suited to rings, pendants, or bespoke designs where the cushion shape complements both classic and contemporary settings, and where the mixed brilliant cut will interact with mounting choices to either enhance sparkle or emphasize color depth. Care guidelines follow standard recommendations for chrome bearing garnets, advising routine gentle cleaning with warm water and mild detergent, the use of soft brushes to remove surface debris, and avoidance of harsh chemicals or steam when mounted in delicate metals or settings that include softer accent stones. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the reported attributes of this tsavorite, providing provenance documentation, precise measurements, and a clear statement of no enhancement, to support both the aesthetic appreciation and the long term stewardship of the gem by its new owner.