The short answer: tsavorite is a vivid green garnet with strong brilliance, often cleaner and more lively than emerald, and it is durable enough for rings with sensible care. It is rare in large sizes, so availability matters.
Tsavorite was identified in East Africa in the twentieth century and has become a favourite for people who want a bright, fresh green.
Colour
Tsavorite ranges from light green to a deep, saturated forest green, sometimes with a slight yellow or blue tone. Vivid mid to deep greens are the most sought after.
Tsavorite and emerald
| Tsavorite | Emerald | |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | High | Softer glow |
| Clarity | Often cleaner | Usually has inclusions |
| Treatment | Often untreated | Often oiled |
| Durability | Good | Needs more care |
| Size | Large stones are rare | Available in many sizes |
Why people choose tsavorite
Many people want the green of an emerald but worry about its fragility and the need for oil. Tsavorite offers a similar colour with higher brilliance, and it tends to be cleaner. It is a practical choice for a daily ring, as long as the stone is a size you can find. Because large stones are rare, many tsavorite rings use a modest centre stone with diamonds around it.
A member of the garnet family
Tsavorite is a green variety of garnet, a family that also includes the deep red stones most people picture, the orange spessartite and the rare demantoid. Garnets are generally tough and well suited to jewellery, and they rarely need treatment to improve their colour. If you like the idea of a garnet but want a colour other than green, see garnet: more than a January birthstone.
Settings
Tsavorite looks striking in yellow gold, rose gold and platinum. A diamond halo or side stones add sparkle, and a solitaire shows off the colour.
Using tsavorite as an accent
Small tsavorites also work beautifully as accents. A line of green stones on a wedding band, a pair either side of a diamond, or a hidden stone inside a signet can bring a flash of green without making it the centre of the design. Small sizes are easier to find, so this is a good way to use the stone if a large centre is out of reach.
Choosing the cut
Because tsavorite is lively, a well cut stone returns a lot of light, and a poor cut can look dull or dark in the middle. Ask us to show the stone on video in daylight and in indoor light, and compare it with another green. Round, oval and cushion shapes are popular. Rare larger stones are often priced on colour and cleanliness together, so we talk through the trade offs with you in writing before you commit.
Care
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Avoid knocks on hard surfaces.
- Have the setting checked from time to time.
Availability
Larger tsavorites are scarce, and we discuss what we can source before you commit to a design.
How to choose
- Pick a green you love.
- Check clarity and cut.
- Ask for a report.
- Choose a setting that suits your lifestyle.
Read emerald oil, jardin and clarity and demantoid and other garnets, and browse diamonds for accent stones. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Is tsavorite as green as emerald? It can be, and often brighter.
Is it treated? Often not, but ask for the report so we can tell you what we know about the stone.
Is it good for daily wear? Yes, with sensible care.
Why are large tsavorites rare? The rough crystals tend to be small, so big clean stones are scarce.
Can I order a tsavorite ring from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.