Press Release - 28 March 2011
Tsavorite is not only rarer and more resilient than emeralds, it is also more brilliant and clear, with fewer inclusions. No treatments or synthetics of tsavorite are known to exist. These fine qualities make tsavoritea very attractive, exceptional stone that should be included in the collection of any person who appreciates and loves fine gemstones.
Tsavorite belongs to the garnet family and has a striking intense green colour. Even though it has been in existence for centuries it was only recently discovered in 1967 in North-East Tanzania and is now commercially mined in Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar.
Interestingly, only mineral specialists knew about the existence of the gemstone until 1974, when Tiffany & Co. launched a marketing campaign which gave the stone world-wide recognition.
Tiffany & Co. suggested the name: tsavorite in honour of one of Africa's largest national wildlife parks the Tsavo National Park in Kenya.
Imagine the great plains of Tsavo expanding in all directions, untouched by man except for a primitive road snaking its way through, connecting Kenya’s port city of Mombasa with the inland capital, Nairobi. Only a handful of tiny Masai villages interspersed and wild animals grazing... in the backdrop Africa’s tallest peak: the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. It is of no wonder that tsavorite is considered the last truly ‘wild’ gem.
On offer at the forthcoming Stephan Welz and Company (Pty) Ltd auction on 20 April this year is a magnificent approximately 9.07cts oval shaped tsavorite pendant highlighted with three round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.68 cts in total with an auction estimate of R60 000 – R80 000 (lot 982).
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