Object of the Day: An Antique Tsavorite Stickpin

During Queen Victoria’s reign, in England, the garnet reached the height of its popularity as a gem stone. Jewelry designers looked for new and exciting ways to include garnets in their art. Aside from the traditional deep red garnet, green garnet (called Tsavorite) was frequently used—especially in jewelry for gentlemen.


Set in the British standard (of the time) of 15 karat gold, this stickpin features a large Tsavorite surrounded by a wreath of silvery seed pearls. With its understated elegance and cool, emerald-like sparkle, this stickpin would have been worn during the day to hold a gentleman’s cravat as he went about his daily business.

I do believe I’m going to start a campaign to reintroduce cravats and neck scarves into men’s wardrobes. European men wear scarves. I don’t see any reason why American men can’t, too.