The 14.47 carat cushion-cut garnet is an exceptional example of the “Malaya” (sometimes spelled Malaia) garnet. Most gem enthusiasts are unaware of this more rare and unusual gem which is formed from a mix of garnet family members, predominantly pyrope and spessartine. The name is Swahili for “outcast”, since this type occurs in a wide range of beautiful colors that blend oranges, reds and pinks and looks wholly separate from other more common varieties. Typically, Malaya garnets can be found in sizes up to 2.00 carats but grow very scarce above 3.00 carats, especially in fine colors. This superb gem, acquired by Dr. Arem in 1981, comes from the famed Umba River Valley deposit in Tanzania. The quality and size were notable enough that Dr. Arem included this stone as a prime example, illustrating it in his revered publication “Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones”, a noted reference for countless gemologists and gem enthusiasts.