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Colour
  • Main colors: red, orange and yellow
  • Additional colors variation: green, blue, violet and black
  • Color variations are caused by minute changes in the chemical composition of the gem
Clarity
  • Most garnets are relatively clean. Thus most good quality garnets should look "clean" to the eye 
  • Exception: Mandarine Spessartines from Namibia. This gives the gem a "sleepy" appearance. However if it exists in moderation it can distribute the bright orange color nicely across the stone
(click on colour to find other gemstones)
TREATMENTS
CUT

Garnets are one of the few gems that are rarely treated to enhance color or clarity. In rare instances green andradite garnets may be heated to enhance colors. This treatment involves low heat so as not to damage the collectible "horsetail" inclusions.
  • Spessartites are generally cut similar to other colored stones, with ovals, cushions, trillions and emerald cuts being most common.
  • In the market, tsavorites are found in a variety of shapes and cutting styles. Ovals and cushions are the most common



Care & Collecting

Garnets are generally somewhat susceptible to heat (and to some acids) so it is recommended that garnets be cleaned with soft, non-abrasive, dampened cloths. Garnets may abrade along facet junctions if scraped.

Garnets have been used since antiquity, especially as engraved gemstones, and such gems are highly collectible. In reddish garnets the size and pureness of color is highly desirable. Green garnets are almost always small - gems over 3 carats are considered rare and are therefore collectible. Demantoids often have signature "horsetail" inclusions composed of byssolite and/or chrysotile. Clever cutters will attempt to leave such inclusions in the center of the gem to exhibit a classic, collectible gem.
FASHION AND FUN FACTS


Bohemian garnets: amazing antique jewelry pieces from a region mining for garnets for centuries...