Rose-cut spessartite garnet set in 18k gold on gold-encrusted erosion cuff of oxidized reticulated silver, approximately 0.8" wide, slightly concave. 

About Spessartite Garnet: 

Spessartine is a manganese-aluminum garnet; the manganese gives it the orange colors that fine spessartines are prized for (although they can range from a brilliant yellow-orange to a dark red-orange). They are typically included with fine small crystals or bubbles.  These inclusions are referred to as “sugar” and can give the garnet a soft glow in the hand that is difficult to capture in a photo.  The gems are rarely very large, particularly in the finest orange colors but they are very brilliant due to a high refractive index of 1.789 to 1.820 as well as a relatively high dispersion value of 0.027.  With a Mohs hardness of  7-7.5, it's a durable gemstone.  

Where is it found

Until recently the primary source for gem-grade spessartine garnet was the Little Three Mine and Hercules Mine in Ramona, California.  In the last decade, significant finds in Namibia, Tanzania, and Nigeria have eclipsed the California mines, and in fact, the California mines are now closed.  While spessartine is a very common garnet, gem-grade spessartine remains relatively rare.

Spessartine Garnet stimulates all aspects of creativity in both energy and ability and encourages us to take actions toward our dreams, visions, and goals. It induces optimism, confidence, daring, and action. Spessartine Garnet is associated with the grounded, pragmatic nature of Virgo.