Spessartine Garnet

Item Description

Please note, this stone is labeled as Spessartine, but like many from this area, it is likely a combination of two or more species (my guess would be Spessartine and Grossular, but it's hard to say without analysis). The color in this gem is reminiscent of many other garnets that I've seen from Nigeria with this strong red hue and slight orange overtone. The stone is only slightly included and has a very attractive "Oval Brilliant" cut. It's a very lively and saturated gem from one of the most active gem producing countries in the world. This material is becoming rarer on the market, as the dried up river beds that produce these gems have been harvested again and again, each time producing less and less material. Keep in mind that good garnet gems over 3 carats are not terribly easy to find from any world locality. I have seen stones with this color priced at $200 per carat on the retail market consistently.