The Rise of Tsavorite: A Timeline of Popularity

Beyond its striking beauty and rarity, the history and discovery of tsavorite have further contributed to its allure. As the birthstone for January and May, tsavorite is particularly desirable in jewelry for those born in these months.

Tsavorite Cost Factors: Pricing

Being the rarest garnet, tsavorite is also among the most expensive garnets available. With only a few tsavorite mines in existence, all situated in challenging locations, the rarity significantly affects its price even before other qualities of the gemstone are considered.

The price of tsavorite is heavily influenced by its quality. Key factors such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight play crucial roles in determining its value. The shade of green, the number of inclusions, and the size all lead to a wide range of prices for tsavorite.

For instance, non-gem quality tsavorite can be acquired for a few dollars per carat. Conversely, top-quality, immaculate tsavorite can command up to $8000 per carat. Prices for good-quality pieces typically range from $500 to over $2000 per carat. Let’s delve into the factors influencing tsavorite’s cost.

Carat Weight

Tsavorite is available in various carat weights, but larger carats are rare. Faceted tsavorite gemstones rarely exceed seven or eight carats. Tsavorites of high quality over twenty carats are considered world-class, while most average tsavorite garnets fall under three carats.

Color

Color significantly impacts tsavorite’s price. Known as the rarest garnet, tsavorite is a type of Green Grossular garnet. Its prized rich green color results from the presence of vanadium, a soft, silver/white metal, sometimes accompanied by traces of chromium.

The unique chemical composition of tsavorite, especially the amount of vanadium, results in darker, more intense, and rarer green shades. This enhances the gemstone’s desirability and purity while its resistance to heat ensures a great luster.

Although tsavorite and emerald are different gemstones, the most valuable tsavorites have the emerald-like, intense green shade without any yellow tinges. High-quality tsavorite with a pure green hue fetches higher prices.

Lighting

Tsavorite appears best under natural daylight. Regardless of its inherent quality, poor lighting like incandescent light can distort its color, adding yellow/green hues not present under natural light.

Cut

Tsavorites are cut in various styles, with oval and cushion cuts being the most common. Other popular cuts include round, emerald, and trillion cuts. The cut type does not significantly affect tsavorite’s cost, but cabochon-cut tsavorites are less common.

Clarity

Tsavorite generally exhibits good clarity. When buying this gemstone, expect it to be eye-clean or nearly so. According to the GIA classification, tsavorite is a type II gemstone, meaning it may have inclusions, but they are less prominent compared to many other gemstones.

Eye-clean tsavorites, considered of acceptable quality, show no visible imperfections to the naked eye, though magnification might reveal some.

Is Tsavorite a Worthwhile Purchase?

Indeed, investing in tsavorite is worthwhile. Its extreme rarity makes it a valuable gemstone. As the rarest garnet, mined only in limited locations, tsavorite is especially cherished. For January or May born individuals, it’s even more significant as their birthstone, perfect for a variety of jewelry like earrings, necklaces, rings, and pendants.