We’ve shown a lot of garnet photos over the past few weeks. One of our favorite garnets is Tsavorite which many Gems At Large aficionados know is named after Tsavo National Park in Kenya. We’ve been in Kenya buying rough Tsavorite as early as 1977—directly from the mine owners. I remember cutting some of my first experiences cutting Tsavorite go back even further to as early as 1974—not that long after its original discovery. Commercial mining of Tsavorite is reported to have begun only in 1971.
What a beautiful color of green we get to see in Tsavorite. Tsavorite is a color variety of grossular garnet—which is a calcium rich garnet. Initially gemologists assumed that the green color was caused by chromium as is the green color in Emerald and Demantoid garnet. Oops. It turned out that it is vanadium that gives Tsavorite its color.
John and Laura Ramsey • Gems at Large • Ramsey Gems 
Dear John and Laura,
It’s so nice to be in touch with you again. I love this Tsavorite and I purchased a large one from you, (7 K), set in 18k gold and surrounded by diamonds. I just sent it into Lux Bond and Green (my local jeweler) for an updated appraisal. I always get sensational remarks on your work!
I also purchased 3 Diamond bracelets from you and a large Rubellite surrounded by diamonds and set in 18k gold. It too is stunning!
At your convenience, please send me photos of anything new (or old) that you’re working on. I’m so pleased that you’re working and communicating again.
Sincerely,
Terri Scantling
Sent from my iPad
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Hi Teri— good to hear from you again. We hope to make things available this Spring. Please keep up with us on Facebook, this blog, Ramseygems.com and so forth. Cheers— John & Laura