"Tantalite? It is a gem? Never heard of it!" The reason for that is that is is very rare for tantalites to be cut into faceted gemstones. This cushion-cut is a beautiful red with flashes of gold. We set in into 18k yellow gold (nice and soft, won't hurt the stone) and put it onto a soft pillow shaped square sterling band. The logic behind that choice was to not add anything too busy, and let the stone speak for itself without other visual elements making noise. Less is more. Love this ring!