How to Pick a Garnet Birthstone

Birthstones have often been associated with powers of protection or healing, possibly due to their striking and sometimes imposing presence. The garnet is called the gem of travelers, promising a safe journey and return. You may want to purchase a garnet when planning a momentous trip, or as a gift for someone born in January, the designated month of this birthstone. Many simply pick garnets for their translucent red shine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Reputable dealer
• Disclosure from FTC
• Documentation of authenticity

Discover the Important Factors in Buying Garnets

1. Listen to your first impression. Try to view garnets with color and cut in mind, but if character is what grabs you, go ahead and put that particular birthstone on your list.
2. View garnets for color in a variety of light settings, for this is how you will see your jewelry when it is worn.
3. Compare garnets for clarity. Your standard should be an even, translucent brilliance with as little fading or intrusion of brown or gray streaks as possible.
4. View garnets singly for cut. Proper cut will ensure reflection and refraction of all the light that passes through the gems, resulting in brilliance. You should not be able to see through a cut birthstone.

Determine Where to Buy High-Quality Garnets

5. Visit a rock, mineral and gem show when one comes to your area. These trade conventions are frequented by both professionals and enthusiasts, and give you a chance to see the pure qualities of unset gems.
6. Locate a reputable dealer through a guild. Pick from a list of referrals from a national or international organization of gem and birthstone dealers, such as the American Gem Trade Association (see Resources below).
7. Locate a reputable dealer by doing your homework. Know what you want, and get satisfactory answers to questions about the dealer's selection, price, return policy and gemstone enhancement disclosure policy.

Tips & Warnings

• Many gemstones are heat treated or otherwise enhanced to improve color. These items require written disclosure from the dealer by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If a dealer won't admit to enhancements, or acknowledges them verbally but not on paper, you should question her integrity.
• Don't pick the first pretty garnet you see. Gemstones are unique, and you might see something you like better tomorrow and regret or have to return your purchase.