Garnet Collection
This collection features Garnets from Eastern Africa, which are individually curated from local miners committed to their profession. From our exclusive Lotus Garnet to the rich, deep tones of the Purple Garnet this family of gemstones provides a wide array of colors to select from.
Mandarin Garnet is named for the vibrant orange color it displays. This luminous gem is found in the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania, which has the geologic distinction of being extremely rich in Manganese. Manganese is one of the rarest minerals on earth's surface and is also the trace element that gives color to this gemstone. Mandarin Garnet, also known as Spessartine is characterized by common eye-visible inclusions, which give it a distinct look and are reminders of its creation.
Merelani Mint Garnet is named for the region of Tanzania where it was discovered. A member of the Grossular Garnet family, it is close cousins with Tsavorite Garnet. The nature of Garnet allows for excellent light return and luster. Mint Garnet has a slight color shift depending on viewing light and fluoresces orange under UV light. The cool bluish-green color of Mint Garnet makes it a desirable and rare addition to the Garnet world.
Tsavorite Garnet is the emerald-green variety of Grossular Garnet. It was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. Sir Henry Platt, of Tiffany and Company named it for another source, Tsavo East National Park in Kenya. Size matters in Tsavorite, as stones over 1ct, are rare and highly desirable. Tsavorite garnet receives the prized green color from trace elements of vanadium and chromium, which are the same elements that color Emeralds.
Rhodolite Garnet is named for the Rhododendron flower and is found in the Umba River Valley of Tanzania. This region is known to produce some of the most beautiful Rhodolites in the world. The color of Rhodolite ranges from a dusty-rose to raspberry and is a result of a combination of Pyrope and Almandine Garnet. As Rhodolite crystals get larger, they are often over-saturated, resulting in dark gemstones. Only a small portion are brilliant enough to cut, polish, and set into jewelry
Purple Garnet was discovered in Mozambique a few short years ago and no other location in the world produces such vivid purple garnets. The deposit is alluvial, found in riverbeds, and produced abundantly in the early stages of mining. Unfortunately, production is now 10% of what it was, making this breathtaking gem extremely rare. There has been increased international demand for this beautiful garnet. Luckily, we have very loyal miners.
