Discover the Radiance of Mandarin Garnets

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Garnets are a gemstone family that dazzles in a spectrum of colours, each variety possessing its own unique characteristics. Today, we turn our attention to a particularly enchanting member of this family: the Mandarin Garnet. Known for its vibrant orange hue, this gemstone is a true wonder of nature, with a “cult following” of gem experts and enthusiasts that have, justifiably, fallen under their spell.

History and Discovery

The Mandarin Garnet, a variety of spessartite garnet, was first discovered in the 1990s in Namibia. Its discovery was a significant event in the gem world, as the stone’s vivid orange colour was unlike any other garnet seen before. This gemstone quickly gained popularity for its unique hue and exceptional brilliance, making it a sought-after choice for fine jewellery. The discovery of Mandarin Garnets opened up new possibilities for jewellery designers and collectors, who were eager to incorporate this vibrant gemstone into their collections.

Physical Properties of Mandarin Garnets

Mandarin Garnets are celebrated for their remarkable physical properties, which contribute to their desirability and durability. Here are some key attributes:

Hardness: With a Mohs hardness rating of 7 to 7.5, Mandarin Garnets are quite durable, making them suitable for everyday wear. This hardness ensures that the gemstone can withstand the rigours of daily life without losing its lustre or becoming easily scratched.

Brilliance: These gemstones exhibit a vitreous to resinous lustre, enhancing their visual appeal. The brilliance of Mandarin Garnets is one of their most captivating features, as it allows the gemstone to sparkle and shine in any light.

Colour: The pure orange colour of Mandarin Garnets is due to their high manganese content, which sets them apart from other garnet varieties. This vibrant hue is both eyecatching and unique, making them a standout choice for those seeking something different.

Refractive Index: Mandarin Garnets have a refractive index of 1.789 to 1.797, contributing to their exceptional brilliance and sparkle. This high refractive index means that light is bent and reflected within the gemstone, creating a dazzling display of light and colour.

Transparency: They range from transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through, creating a captivating play of colours. This transparency adds to the gemstone’s allure, as it allows the true beauty of the Mandarin Garnet to be fully appreciated.

How to Evaluate and Select the Best Pieces

Selecting a high-quality Mandarin Garnet involves considering several factors. But we have some tips to help you identify the finest specimens:

Colour: Look for a pure, vibrant orange hue without any brown or yellow undertones. The most desirable Mandarin Garnets will have a consistent and intense colour that is evenly distributed throughout the gemstone.

Brilliance: The gemstone should exhibit a high level of brilliance, with light reflecting beautifully off its facets. A well-cut Mandarin Garnet will maximise its brilliance, making it appear more lively and radiant.

Clarity: While inclusions are common in garnets, the best Mandarin Garnets will have minimal visible inclusions. Inclusions can affect the gemstone’s appearance and value, so it’s important to choose a stone with good clarity.

Cut: A well-cut Mandarin Garnet will enhance its natural brilliance and colour, making it a more desirable piece. The cut of the gemstone should be symmetrical and proportionate, allowing it to reflect light evenly.

Carat Weight: Larger stones are rarer and more valuable, but the quality of the colour and cut should always take precedence over size. When evaluating a Mandarin Garnet, consider the overall beauty and quality of the gemstone rather than just its size.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price of Mandarin Garnets can vary widely based on several factors, including colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000 per carat for high-quality stones. However, prices can go higher for exceptional specimens. At Calla Lily, we offer a curated selection of exquisite coloured gemstones, including Mandarin Garnets, and our team is always available to help you find the perfect piece. We also provide bespoke sourcing services to meet your specific needs.

If you’re in Singapore, you can always make an appointment to visit to our atelier to discover our fascinating gemstones in person!

When considering the cost of a Mandarin Garnet, it’s important to remember that the value of the gemstone is influenced by its unique characteristics. The vibrant colour, exceptional brilliance, and overall quality of the gemstone all play a role in determining its price. We pride ourselves on offering only the finest gemstones, ensuring that each piece is a true reflection of our commitment to quality and excellence.

Mandarin Garnets X Orange Sapphires

When comparing Mandarin Garnets to other orange gemstones, such as orange sapphires, several factors come into play. Orange sapphires are known for their durability and unique appearance, but Mandarin Garnets do not fall behind with their unique combination of brilliance, colour, and affordability. So which one should you choose?

Colour: Orange sapphires can display a range of orange shades; they are incredibly rare to come by in a natural, untreated state. Mandarin garnets are prized for their pure, vibrant orange hue. This consistent and intense colour may be perceived as a bonus to some people when compared with the sapphires, which can sometimes have a more varied and less uniform appearance.

Brilliance: Mandarin garnets exhibit a high level of brilliance, with light reflecting beautifully off their facets. Orange sapphires, on the other hand, have a more subdued brilliance and are often valued for their unique colour rather than their sparkle.

Durability: With a Mohs hardness rating of 7 to 7.5, Mandarin Garnets are durable enough for everyday wear, but orange sapphires, with a hardness rating of 9, are even more durable. This makes orange sapphires a better choice for those seeking a gemstone that can withstand more wear and tear.

Affordability: Mandarin garnets are generally more affordable than orange sapphires, making them an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality gemstone without breaking the bank.

The combination of beauty, durability, and affordability makes Mandarin Garnets an amazing choice for many jewellery enthusiasts. But so is the rare and unique Orange Sapphire, hence you could not go wrong with either option; this comes down to personal preference and your requirements.

Curiosities

Mandarin Garnets are not only beautiful but also hold special significance in various contexts.

Birthstone: While garnets are traditionally the birthstone for January, Mandarin Garnets can be a unique alternative for those born in this month.

Anniversary Gemstone: Garnets are also associated with the second wedding anniversary, making Mandarin Garnets a meaningful and beautiful gift to celebrate this milestone.

Symbolism: Garnets are believed to symbolise passion, energy, and creativity, making them a perfect choice for those who want to infuse their lives with these qualities.

Healing Properties: Some believe that garnets have healing properties, promoting vitality and overall well-being.

Conclusion: Why We Love Mandarin Garnets

The allure of Mandarin Garnets lies in their ability to combine the best of both worlds: the stunning colour and brilliance of a high-quality gemstone with the durability and relative affordability that make them accessible to a wide range of jewellery enthusiasts.

Their unique properties and undeniable beauty make them a perfect choice for those seeking a distinctive and elegant gemstone.

At Calla Lily, we are admittedly passionate about these special gems and are dedicated to helping our clients discover their many qualities. Our fine jewellery collection most often includes designs featuring Mandarin Garnets.

Lastly, we would like to invite you to explore our collection of Mandarin Garnets and other exquisite gemstones. Our knowledgeable designers are always available to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have. We also offer bespoke sourcing services, allowing you to find the perfect gemstone to meet your specific needs.

You can book an appointment here!