Characteristics of a Good Quality Garnet
The birthstone for the month of January is the garnet. This beautiful red stone was mined first in middle European countries, but today it is found in many parts of the world, including India and Brazil. In the United States, this stone is found in Arizona. Garnets are judged on their color and clarity, which can vary greatly. The cut and size of the garnet are also indicators of quality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Color
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A dark-color garnet set in silver. The color of the stone is important in assessing the value of a garnet. If the stone is very dark, this is an indicator of a stone that is very commonly found. These dark, dull stones are used for beads and cabochons. If the color has more purple tone, this also devalues the quality of the stone. The most sought-after color for the garnet is bright, shiny red. The bright red garnet is rare and stones of this color are very valuable.
Cut
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A cabochon and silver pendant. Garnets with the highest quality of transparent color can be faceted. This cut is done over the entire surface of the stone and creates the highest light reflection and the greatest value in the stone. If the color and clarity of the stone will not support a more faceted cut, it is cut into a cabochon, which is a flat cut and the least valuable cut for a garnet.
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Clarity
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Transparency is another key factor in determining the quality of a garnet. Stones with little or no clarity have little value and are generally made into beads or cabochons. The level of transparency of the stone allows a jeweler to cut facets into the stone to reflect light. Faceted garnets have more value.
Size
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Garnets are generally found at about 2 carats. Garnets of this size are used in less-expensive costume jewelry. Garnets of about 4 carats with good clarity have more value and are the size you generally find in jewelry using semiprecious stones. Larger stones of more than 4 carats are very hard to find and can be worth up to $1,000.
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References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
