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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. My Jewelz 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.
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