Garnets are a popular gemstone known for their vibrant red color and use as the January birthstone, But garnets actually come in a variety of colors from red to green to orange Their diversity and relative affordability make them a popular choice for jewelry
But how much are garnets actually worth? As you might expect, garnet value depends on several factors including color, clarity, cut quality, carat weight and type of garnet. Let’s take a closer look at what impacts garnet prices and value.
What Impacts Garnet Value?
Like other gemstones what makes one garnet more valuable than another comes down to the 4Cs – color clarity, cut and carat weight. However, for garnets there are additional factors that affect value including the specific type of garnet.
Color
Vibrant, rich color increases a garnet’s value. For red garnets like pyrope and almandine, a pure red with no brown or orange is ideal For other types, the most valued colors are vivid green for tsavorite and pure orange for spessartite The more intense the hue, the higher the price.
Clarity
Clean, eye-clean garnets with few inclusions fetch higher prices. Flawless specimens are exceptionally rare and command top dollar. Even minor clarity enhancements like heat treatment can impact value.
Cut
Well-cut garnets with good proportions display the stone’s color and fire best. Precise cutting is especially important for rare garnet types due to their high intrinsic value. Fine make also minimizes waste of rough material.
Carat Weight
Like other gems, larger garnets are more scarce and costly per carat. Premium is paid for clean stones over 2 carats especially for rare garnet varieties.
Garnet Type
The species and variety has a major influence on garnet prices. Tsavorite, demantoid, and rhodolite garnets cost more per carat than common pyrope or almandine. Availability also affects cost.
Garnet Value by Type
Let’s take a closer look at value ranges for different types of garnets:
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Tsavorite – The most prized garnet, tsavorites command prices between $500 to over $10,000 per carat. Vivid green color and larger sizes over 5 carats fetch top dollar.
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Demantoid – Extremely rare, demantoids range from $1,000 to over $5,000 per carat. Clean stones over 1 carat are scarce.
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Rhodolite – Rhodolites fall between $150 to $600 per carat depending on quality factors. Purple-red is the classic rhodolite color.
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Spessartite – Cost per carat is $200 to $600 for fine orange mandarin garnets. Common brown spessartites are less.
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Pyrope – Chrome pyropes and fine red almandines price from $150 to $400 per carat.
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Grossular – Hessonites and yellow grossulars cost $50 to $500 per carat. Tsavorites are much higher.
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Uvarovite – Extremely rare in sizes over a few carats. Prices over $1,000 per carat.
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Andradite – Fine demantoids are costly. Other andradites range from $50 to $500 per carat.
As you can see, garnets offer a wide range of price points to fit different budgets. Even within a particular type, cleaner stones with vivid color and larger sizes command the highest prices per carat.
Price Guidelines for Garnet Jewelry
What about garnet jewelry prices? Garnets lend themselves well to all types of jewelry from solitaires to multi-stone designs. Some typical garnet jewelry prices are:
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Garnet solitaire ring – $500-$2,000 depending on the garnet carat weight and type
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Garnet three-stone ring – $800-$3,000 with 1 to 2 carat center stone
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Garnet pendant – $150-$500 for 1 to 3 carat garnet
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Garnet earrings – $200 to $600 per pair, more for demantoid or tsavorite
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Garnet tennis bracelet – $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on number and size of stones
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Garnet engagement ring – $1,000 to $5,000+ for a 2 to 5 carat rhodolite or other garnet
Keep in mind, jewelry prices vary depending on the gold or platinum setting and other diamonds or gemstones used. Unique settings and designer styles can increase the price significantly.
Should You Buy Garnet Jewelry?
So should you consider a garnet for your next jewelry purchase? Here are some of the benefits of garnet jewelry:
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Wide range of color options from fiery red to lime green.
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More affordable than many gems – especially large sizes.
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Durable and easy to wear for daily jewelry.
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January birthstone and alternative engagement ring stone.
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Complements many skin tones and styles.
The combination of beauty, durability and affordability makes garnet a great gemstone for jewelry. Paired with its historical lore and meaning, garnets are a great choice for your next special piece.
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Are Garnets a good gem? Not Just A Birthstone For January/What makes Garnet so Interesting?(2020)
FAQ
Are garnets valuable stones?
How big is a 1 carat garnet?
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Rounds
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6.5 mm
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1.0 carat
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10.5 carat
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7 mm
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1.25 carat
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14.2 carat
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8 mm
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2.0 carat
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9 mm
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2.75 carat
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Are garnets more expensive than diamonds?
How can you tell if garnet is real?
How much does a garnet cost?
It’s one of the rarest and most valuable types of Garnet, prized for its rarity and beauty. The price of a fine-colored Andradite ranges from $150 to $500 per carat, which is evidently more expensive than an Almandine. Demantoid is known for its brilliant green color and high dispersion, which gives it a “fire” that rivals that of diamonds.
What color garnet is the most valuable?
However, it’s the rare and intense colors that fetch the highest prices in the market. The rarer and more intense the color, the more valuable the garnet will be. For example, a deep red garnet, often referred to as “mandarin garnet,” is highly sought after and commands a premium price.
Is a red garnet worth it?
The rarer and more intense the color, the more valuable the garnet will be. For example, a deep red garnet, often referred to as “mandarin garnet,” is highly sought after and commands a premium price. On the other hand, a lighter or less saturated garnet may be more affordable but still possess its own beauty and appeal.
What determines the value of a garnet?
Garnets come in a range of types and colors, with each variety possessing unique characteristics that affect its value. The color of a Garnet is the most important factor in determining its price, next to its type. Generally, the more intense and saturated the color, the higher the value.
Why is garnet so expensive?
Garnet is so expensive because of the inconsistent supply of raw materials and continuing demand. Garnets occur in a range of different saturated colors. They are free from inclusions and occur in crystals large enough to face beautiful gems. Additionally, garnets are rarely treated. Color
How do I know if my Garnet is worth anything?
For a reliable assessment of your garnet’s value, a gemstone certification from a reputable lab is key. Certification documents provide an impartial evaluation of the gemstone’s qualities. This includes a detailed analysis of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight – crucial information that affects its overall value.