Two Excellent Quality Genuine Natural Faceted Forest Green Tsavorite Rounds. Mounted into contemporary high quality sterling silver “euroclicks”.

CLASSIFICATION: Tsavorite Garnet Faceted Rounds. Sterling Silver Earrings.

ORIGIN: Kenya, late 1970's.

SIZE: Diameter: 3mm. Depth: 1mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 0.15 carats (the pair).

NOTES: Other setting styles (french hooks, lever backs, kidney wires, ball/stud dangles) are available upon request, both in sterling silver, as well as 14kt solid gold and in 14kt gold fill.

DETAIL: The ancients believed that a garnet could give its wearer guidance in the night, allowing them to see when others could not. Due to its red color, ancient cultures including the Celts, Greeks, and Romans also associated it with blood, and thus garnet was thought to stop bleeding or bloodshed between enemies. Garnet was also worn for protection when traveling, and according to Jewish mythology, a giant garnet provided interior lighting for Noah's Ark. It is also believed that garnet, described as “nopek”, was one of the twelve gemstones described in the Bible in Exodus 28:17-20 as adorning Aaron’s breastplate, representing the twelve tribes of ancient Israel. Here are two gorgeously colored bright forest green tsavorite precious gemstones which have been cut into faceted rounds. These are nice quality specimens no less than eye clean. Tsavorite, also known as grossular garnet, is one of the worlds rarest and most sought after precious gemstones. It was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967 in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, though it was not until 1971 that the first specimens were extracted from nearby Kenya. The name is derived from the adjoining Tsavo National Park famous for its mighty "red" elephants who wallow in and spray themselves with red iron-rich mud during the rainy seasons. The park is also well known for its man-eating lions.

The rich green color of tsavorite is derived from trace elements of vanadium and chromium. Tsavorite is exceptionally bright and sparkling, unlike emeralds, because the refractive-index of tsavorite is much higher - close to that of a diamond. Because of the great pressures and very high temperatures under which it formed and the subsequent stress releases, individual, relatively clean pieces of tsavorite are generally small. Specimens over one carat are extremely rare. Tsavorite is known as "the King of Green Gemstones". In the words of one gemologist-expert connoisseur, "with the color of a cool green forest and a fire resembling that of diamond, the price will soar as the fine natural properties of this magnificent gem become known." If you would like to learn more about tsavorite, please click here.

The earring settings are of contemporary origin. They are high quality settings manufactured by one of the USA’s leading semi-custom mount producers. They are constructed of sterling silver; they are not cheap, silver electroplated earrings. It is genuine sterling silver, designed to last a lifetime. It's a first-class piece of jewelry throughout. We can reset in 14kt solid gold or 14kt gold fill upon request, and there are also many other setting styles available upon request.

Under magnification the gemstones show the unmistakable characteristics of having been hand crafted. The coarseness of the handcrafted finish is considered appealing to most gemstone collectors, and is not considered a detriment, or to detract from the value of a gemstone. These characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, most serious collectors consider such gemstones more desirable, possessed of greater character and uniqueness when compared to today's cookie-cutter mass-produced machine-faceted gemstones. Unlike today’s computer controlled machine produced gemstones that approach flawlessness in a perfect finish, the cut and finish of a handcrafted gemstone such as this is the cultural legacy passed onwards by artisans who lived centuries ago.

These gemstones have great luster and sparkle, and to the eye are completely transparent, but one cannot say with absolute certainty that they are absolutely flawless. True, any blemishes they possess are not visible to the naked eye, and even at 600% as in these photo enlargements here (or under a 5x jeweler’s loupe) there are no discernible flaws. However we hesitate to use the word “flawless”, as sooner or later blemishes will show up at higher levels of magnification with almost every natural gemstone. An absolutely flawless gemstone is very rare in nature (and usually turns out to be synthetic). However the gemstones can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye they are indeed flawless, however close examination with a jeweler’s loupe will however reveal occasional slight irregularities in the faceting and finish. Naturally these characteristics are expected of hand-finished gemstones. However for most, the unique nature and character of handcrafted gemstones such as this more than makes up for imperfect finishes which by and large, are only noticed under high magnification

SHIPPING OPTIONS: All purchases are backed by an unlimited guarantee of satisfaction and authenticity. If for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a complete and immediate refund of your entire purchase price. Most of these antique gemstones were originally part of two collections, one originating in India principally composed of gemstones originally mined in India, Burma, Ceylon, and Siam, and then hand faceted in India. The addition of a second accumulation of antique gemstones originally mined in the Urals in the mid to late 19th century (including alexandrite) completed the collection. These gemstones as well were hand finished. The Urals have been one of the world's major sources of precious and semi-precious gemstones for many centuries. As well, additional specimens are occasionally acquired from other institutions and dealers in Eastern Europe and Asia. These antique gemstones are now in the United States and are available for immediate delivery.

We ship inventory from the USA order fulfillment center near Seattle, Washington. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipping within 48 hours of payment. A certificate of authenticity is available upon request. We prefer your personal check or money order over any other form of payment - and we will ship immediately upon receipt of your check (no "holds"). We will accept PayPal payments. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE".