A Rarity from the Earth: The Loliondo Spessartite Garnet

Sourced from a singular 2024 gemological expedition to the Loliondo district of Tanzania, this stone represents an exceptional discovery. Extracted from amongst kilos of non-gemmy material, this rough crystal immediately distinguished itself through its breathtaking vibrancy and impeccable structure.

Its hue is a captivating, saturated orange, drawing immediate comparison to the flesh of a ripe mandarin and the vivid intensity of a precious gem candied in light. The inherent beauty of the original specimen was so profound that it presaged the masterpiece you see here.

Spessartites from this renowned region are typically characterized by significant inclusions; to encounter a piece of gem quality, presenting as loupe-clean, is a notable rarity, especially in a specimen of this caliber. To fully harness its inherent fire and chromatic vividity, the garnet has been masterfully fashioned into an oval brilliant cut. This mixed-cut style—combining a precisely faceted crown for maximum brilliance with a carefully calibrated pavilion for optimal depth—ensures the gem’s captivating color is displayed in its most dynamic and luminous state.

This is not merely a Gemstone; it is a testament to nature's ability to create perfection against all odds, now perfected by human artistry.

GEM DETAILS

💎 Stone Identity: Spessartite "Mandarin" Garnet

 

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Discovery Year: Hand-selected by Luvici during a gem hunt with a Luvici Field Partner in Loliondo, Tanzania

 

𓍝 Weight:  1.77 ct

 

🌐 Origin: 

🎨Color: Reddish Orange, Color Hex Code FD5602 [see schemecolor.com for REF]

  Pantone Orange 021C

 

      Tone: Medium

       Saturation: Vivid

✨ Brilliance: Excellent

✏️📐 Dimensions, [Lx W x D ]  :  8.09 mm x  6.04 mm x 4.09 mm

             [L/W] Ratio: 1.34

           Depth [D]: 4.09 mm                           

💎🔍 Clarity: Type I — VVS1 ,[Extremely difficult to see inclusions under 10x. loupe]

  ***The Gem is Loupe Clean

𖢻 Cut/Shape: Oval

[Precision Faceted – Excellent Symmetry] 

 

Cut style: Mixed cut Symphony [Crown facets-Brilliant cuts, Pavilion facets-Step cut] 

⫍⌕⫎  Connessiour's choice of this cut

 

Gemstone Cutting Style Highlights:

Why the Oval Cut with mixed cut style faceting?

A Testament to Masterful Execution

When successfully executed, this specific cut transforms a beautiful crystal into a masterpiece. The gem achieves:

Gemmology tidbits

• Simultaneous Brilliance and Color: The stone is neither all sparkle nor a flat block of color, but a dynamic interplay of both.

• Efficient Weight Retention: The cutter has honored the rarity of the rough material by maximizing its yield.

• Superior Optics: The gem is free of obvious windows or extinction, meaning its beauty is consistent across its entire surface.

  1. Maximizing Brilliance and Fire

  • Spessartite’s high refractive index gives it an intense internal glow.

  • A brilliant-faceted crown allows maximum light return through the top, amplifying the gem’s famous “fiery orange” flashes.

  • The crown’s triangular and kite facets act like mirrors, bouncing light in multiple directions for superior brilliance.

  ---

  2. Controlling Saturation and Color Depth

  • Spessartite is deeply saturated—too much depth can make it appear overly dark.

  • The step-cut pavilion helps to evenly distribute color, preventing areas of “color pooling” that can occur with brilliant pavilions in darker material.

  • Step facets manage the light path to balance brilliance with true color tone, ensuring the gem doesn’t lose its vivid orange identity.

  ---

  3. Oval Shape Enhances Optical Performance

  • The oval outline elongates the gem, creating an elegant shape that emphasizes size and sparkle.

  • It reduces the risk of extinction (dark patches) seen in deeper cuts while maintaining symmetry and balance.

  • The curvature of the oval helps spread brilliance evenly across the face, especially under varied lighting.

  ---

  4. Precision Light Control and Durability

  • Step cuts on the pavilion allow cutters to fine-tune angles to avoid windowing (see-through areas) and leakage.

  • They also reduce internal stress and improve structural integrity, as spessartite can have inclusions that make it slightly brittle compared to other garnets.

  ---

  5. Signature of Master Craftsmanship

  • The brilliant-step hybrid is a signature approach of elite Gem cutters, showcasing both brilliance and sophistication.

  • It reflects a deep understanding of gem optics, achieving a “best-of-both-worlds” balance between sparkle and color integrity — a hallmark of world-class cutting.

The mixed cut is a classic and highly respected style in fine colored gemstones because it demands a deep understanding of geometry, optics, and the unique character of each crystal                       

🔬 R.I: 1.77

 

📜 Certified: No  

 

      Treated: No, Natural 

 

      Treatment: No 

 

📁 Features: Master cut, Vibrant Vivid Reddish Orange, Tone -Medium, Saturation -High, Precision Mixed Oval cut with Good proportions and Symmetry, Excellent Brilliance.

For a statement ring or high-status jewel, 18k Yellow Gold with Platinum prongs strikes the ultimate balance: Gold amplifies the warmth, while platinum secures and elevates the gem with sophistication.

Price per carat: $1000

Total Price: $ 1770

 

Provenance: This exquisite Gem was thoughtfully and masterfully curated and selected in our office from a parcel that was mined by a reputable, ethical, industrious artisanal Tanzanian miner in 2024, Loliondo, Tanzania

 

Important Note to Our Esteemed Collectors and Shoppers  

In the world of fine Gemstones, Color reigns supreme. When selecting a gemstone,  

prioritize color above all else—it defines the gem’s personality, value, and visual impact.  

Clarity follows closely, enhancing brilliance and purity.  

 

While cut and size contribute to beauty and presence, they are considered secondary—unless you’re exploring exceptional categories such as Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Alexandrites, Tsavorites, Spinel, Diamonds, Paraiba Tourmalines, and other rare  

Collector’s Gems. In these cases, size becomes a significant factor, especially when paired with extraordinary color.  

 

As you shop on our platform, let this timeless gemological wisdom guide your choices, ensuring each selection is both meaningful and magnificent.

Note from the Maison: Disclaimer
Occasional traces of fiber cloth or fingerprints may appear during filming. Before shipping, each gem is expertly repolished to a flawless mirror finish, cleaned thoroughly and updated images are provided for your review i. All Select treasures from our website "Gemvault" remain secured in our vault, untouched until commissioned for recut or client-requested retakes—reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence and refinement.

 

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                             LUVICI –The Curator & Purveyor of the Rare