GARNET
Color
is most important when determining the value of garnet. Lively,
bright colors usually command higher prices than gems that are
too light or dark. But remember that beauty is in the eye of the
beholder and color preferences are subjective. Of course, clarity,
cut and carat weight also factor into the cost of a gem. Better
quality garnets are usually eye clean and very high clarity (not
many inclusions) under magnification.
Almandine
and pyrope (and a mix of the two) are the most common types of
garnet on the market. Their widespread availability makes them
extremely affordable (under $40 a carat). Rhodolite, particularly
in its reddish colors, and spessartite in its bright orange red,
are more uncommon and therefore more valuable than pyrope and
almandine. Spessartite is commonly called Mandarin garnet because
in its best color it resembles mandarin oranges.
The
most rare and valuable of the garnet species are tsavorite (green
grossular) and demantoid (green andradite). Tsavorite--in a lively,
strong, bright green color--can command several hundreds of dollars
per cart depending on quality and size. Demantoid, considered
the queen of garnet, has exceptional brilliance, a higher dispersion
than diamond, and a lustrous emerald-green color. A fine demantoid
can command several thousands of dollars per carat depending on
its size and quality. Demantoids are softer than other garnets,
and must be protected from scratches and abrasions.
Demantoids
have been very hard to find ever since its exclusive Russian sources
dried up. A new Namibian mine has brought them back, but just
barely. AURIC JEWELS carries some excellent tsavorite and spessartite
samples in our Gem Store. Garnet is one of the few natural gemstones
not commonly enhanced to improve its color or clarity. However,
garnet is often imitated. The laser industry has perfected some
synthetic garnets with crystalline structures similar to the natural
gem, but different in chemical composition (it's a non-silicate).
Synthetic ruby and spinel are also used as a garnet simulant,
as is glass, particularly in inexpensive birthstone jewelry.
