Garnet gemstones may be found in an impressive range of colours, apart from blue. “Malaya” and “Rhodolite” are two varieties in enchanting shades of pink. And some of our favourite choices here at Calla Lily. Keep on reading to understand why!
A brief context on Garnet Gemstones:
Their designation stems from an ancient word signifying “Pomegranates”: They are often encountered in the delightful shade of jewel-like pomegranate seeds, so it’s only fitting that their nomenclature derives from the Latin word ‘garanatus,’ meaning seed-like!
Garnets are, in fact, a collection of minerals, with some varieties so stunning and rare that they are highly prized as precious gemstones. While most are appreciated for their vibrant body colours, those with fire, iridescence, and transparency are especially captivating.
To recognise them, gemologists rely on quite a few resources. While their distinctive lustre can be an indicator, identifying garnets may be tricky. In the last few decades, a number of new blends have been discovered in Africa alone. One can only assume that more is yet to be revealed.
But as far as the known species go, each one has its particular set of properties. A knowledgeable specialist in the trade is properly trained to single them out using three factors: refractive index, hue, and absorption spectrum.
Garnet Properties
Garnet hardness usually lies on a 7 on the Mohs scale, with some discrepancy depending on the type. For example, almandine and tsavorite generally rank higher than demantoid.
All in all, they are considered to have good toughness, and as long as properly cared for, they definitely should be durable enough for daily wear pieces.
Other properties, such as stability, contribute to their status as one of the finest gems! They are not sensitive to light nor chemicals; meaning they are unlikely candidates to weather damage and discolouration.
Malaya vs Rhodolite: what are the main differences between the two?
When it comes to colour, both come in beautiful renditions of pink, but with a few differences. Rhodolite garnets are intense pink with purple undertones, while the striking Malaya drifts from pink to reddish hues.
Rhodolites are a complex combination of two other types of garnet: “almandine” and “pyrope”. They may also exhibit traces of “spessartine”.
Malaya Garnets, on the other hand, show a greater range in shades of pink than Rhodolite. They are a blend primarily consisting of spessartine, with traces of pyrope and almandine.
In terms of rarity, both garnets hold their own unique appeal. Rhodolite garnets are often found in smaller sizes, making larger specimens particularly prized. Malaya garnets, discovered relatively recently in the 1960s, are considered rare and are highly sought after for their unusual and captivating colour variations.
When it comes to clarity, Rhodolite garnets typically exhibit fewer inclusions, resulting in a clearer and more transparent appearance. Malaya garnets, while also generally clear, may sometimes display slight inclusions that add character without detracting from their beauty.
Why we love Rhodolite and Malaya Garnets
Both Rhodolite and Malaya garnets are durable and suitable for everyday wear, making them excellent choices for fine jewellery. But other than good properties, we find that there are numerous reasons to choose either (or both) of these gems:
● Exquisite Beauty: Rhodolite garnets enchant with their vibrant pink hues and subtle purple undertones, creating a mesmerising play of colour that is both romantic and sophisticated. Malaya garnets, with their unique spectrum ranging from delicate pinks to rich reddish tones, offer a versatile palette that can complement any design.
● Investment Value: Both Rhodolite and Malaya garnets are excellent choices for investment. Rhodolite garnets, especially in larger sizes, are highly prized due to their rarity and exceptional clarity. Malaya garnets, with their unique colour variations and relative rarity, are also highly sought after, making them a valuable addition to any gem collection.
● Versatility: Their enchanting colours and clarity make them ideal for a variety of jewellery pieces, from elegant rings to statement necklaces. Whether set in gold or platinum, Rhodolite and Malaya garnets add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any piece.
● Emotional Connection: Garnets have long been associated with love, passion, and protection. Rhodolite garnets, with their romantic hues, are often seen as symbols of love and commitment. Malaya garnets, with their warm and inviting colours, evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Wearing these gemstones can create a deep emotional connection, making them cherished keepsakes.
Pink: The Colour of Love
If you’ve experienced our bespoke jewellery or taken a look at our collection at least once, you’re probably well aware of one thing about Calla Lily: we are, unashamedly, passionate about colour!
This is the ultimate resource to balance our designs and help bring out the right emotions.
Swoon-worthy pinks are undoubtedly the most romantic colour one can opt for. Perfect for engagement rings, they are also fantastic for anniversary presents, and endearing celebrations of milestones such as the birth of a baby and a graduation, for example.
Instinctively, we tend to associate this colour with tender emotions. But Pinks can be fierce as well! Sure, most likely, a blush-hued pendant will commonly be linked to femininity and affection. But if inserted on a, say, more angular design, with sharp lines and in a bolder, stronger hue. Its effect can be quite striking.
Bespoke Creations in Singapore: The Calla Lily Experience
For bespoke pieces, we require bookings made in advance to ensure one of our designers will be fully at your disposal.
Studio consultations, which run from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, Mondays to Saturdays (except Wednesdays), may be booked via this form, or call +65 97729392 or email sparkle@callalily.sg to schedule a slot.
Our team will await to greet you with tea and treats to discuss your vision. We will show you around our mesmerising collection of fantastically hued gemstones, and play around with metals, finishes, and colour palettes that resonate with your personality.
We like to say our bespoke process is a “co-creation,” as we find most of our clients enjoy freedom and genuinely have a great time making the initial decisions with us.
This special moment is both a unique journey of self-discovery and a celebration!
How much does a bespoke jewel cost?
The creation of bespoke jewellery is an intimate affair, a dialogue between your desires and our expertise. Our atelier is a sanctuary; we make exclusive use of natural-coloured gemstones and premium metals like 18k gold, platinum, and titanium. Resulting in timeless pieces of
unquestionable quality!
As you contemplate the investment for your personalised treasure, consider these elements:
● Gemstone Selection: The heart of your piece, the gemstone’s variety, size, and quality, plays a pivotal role in defining its value.
● Metal Choice: Whether it’s the warm hue of 18k gold, the versatility of white gold, the resilience of platinum, or the strength of titanium, your metal selection shapes the piece’s character and cost.
● Design Complexity: The intricacy of your design, from delicate settings to elaborate engravings, reflects the artistry and effort invested.
● Dimensions: The scale of your jewellery can influence the amount of material required, thus affecting the budget.
● You, of course, understand that all these factors signify a tremendously wide gap in pricing, but as a good enough measure, you may envision a budget between SGD 5,000 and 10,000 for custom-made engagement rings, for example. This allows for a spectrum of possibilities, from the
selection of gemstones to the complexity of the design.
Naturally, should your budget differ, we remain dedicated to crafting a piece that honours your financial scope and aesthetic aspirations.
When contemplating bespoke jewellery, you invest in more than an object, but in a legacy of creativity, skill, and innovation. You’re acquiring a slice of the designer’s thoughts, creativity, and experience. Our studio recognises that our clients seek not just adornment but an emblem of perpetual allure. It is here that we embark on a meticulous journey of design and development, pouring our collective ingenuity into every sketch and prototype. What emerges is not merely jewellery but a narrative depicted through precious metals and stones.
The Bottom Line
If a bespoke piece is not on your plans at the moment, you can always check our stunning ready-to-wear collection of small-scale, handmade fine jewellery. These designs, while not tailor-made, still carry a similar value and feeling of a very special jewel. All of our line is intentionally created to evoke emotions and made with the highest quality materials.
We only carry a few items of each one in order to respect our brand’s philosophy of uniqueness as well as due to the rarity of the selected gemstones in our possession. Both Rhodolite and Malaya garnets are favourites of our designers, so if you love these gems as much as we do, you’re likely to encounter them often at our shop!
In conclusion, Rhodolite and Malaya garnets are more than just beautiful stones; they are symbols of elegance, rarity, and emotional depth. Their unique characteristics and stunning beauty make them perfect choices for fine jewellery and great investments that are unlikely to devalue anytime soon.
Whether you are drawn to the intense pinks of Rhodolite or the diverse hues of Malaya, these garnets are sure to captivate and enchant.
