0.74 Ct. Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing describes a single, transparent, 0.74 carat marquise shaped purplish red garnet, with exact dimensions of 7.73 by 4.39 by 2.99 millimeters. The cutter established a length to width ratio of approximately one point seven six, which sits squarely within the classical marquise proportions that preserve elegance while avoiding an overly narrow silhouette. Overall depth is approximately forty nine percent when measured against the mean of length and width, a proportion that contributes to a balanced return of light without sacrificing color saturation. The stone is fashioned in a mixed brilliant cut, combining a brilliant style crown to enhance scintillation and a modified pavilion to concentrate color, and it carries an excellent polish that produces crisp facet junctions and a lively surface luster. This garnet originates from Ceylon Sri Lanka, it has not been subjected to any enhancement, and it is presented with a clarity assessment of very slightly included, evaluated at eye level.

From a lapidary perspective the mixed brilliant faceting on this marquise is executed to optimize the interaction between pavilion angles and crown geometry. The crown displays a conventional brilliant arrangement to generate small scale scintillation, while the pavilion has been tailored to deepen the chromatic response and improve light retention for this specific hue. Table size has been moderated relative to the stone dimensions to avoid a washed out face up appearance, maintaining a precise balance between face up color and internal brilliance. Girdle thickness is controlled to a thin to medium profile, reducing unnecessary weight loss yet providing sufficient edge integrity for secure setting, and the culet is minimized to preserve optical return. Symmetry is consistent across opposing facets, which is essential in a marquise to prevent the appearance of lop sided bow ties and to produce uniform light distribution along the length of the stone.

Clarity is very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which in practical terms means that the stone reads as eye clean in normal viewing conditions, with only minute natural features discernible under careful scrutiny. These internal characteristics are typical for garnets from this locale and do not interfere with the purplish red saturation that defines the gem. The absence of enhancement signals that the color and clarity are natural, and that stability under normal wear conditions is reliable. Garnet hardness ranges around six and a half to seven and a half on the Mohs scale, so cabochon or bezel settings will protect the narrow points of the marquise and prolong daily wearability. For collectors seeking optimal presentation the stone benefits from a low profile, protective mounting that secures both points and minimizes exposure to knocks, or alternately from a halo mounting that preserves the silhouette while increasing apparent size and visual impact.

When placed in historical context this garnet invites comparison to several traditions in gem history while retaining an identity that is distinct. Garnets have a long provenance in classical and medieval jewelry, and the deep red examples mined in Europe and Asia have often been used as the core of royal and ceremonial pieces. The deep, intense purplish red of this Sri Lankan garnet evokes the saturated hues that made garnets prized in Bohemian and Victorian repertoires, while the clarity and lively facet expression recall the highest quality examples preserved in museum collections. It also warrants a technical comparison with famous red stones in history, since the visual intensity of this piece approaches the saturated tones associated with celebrated rubies, yet it is optically different because garnet is isotropic and does not exhibit birefringence, and because it derives its chroma from a different structural chemistry. That distinction is precisely where its unique value lies, because it offers the visual warmth and depth of classic red gemstones while being natural and untreated, and therefore an appealing alternative for connoisseurs who value authentic material history and straightforward material integrity.

As a final assessment from The Natural Gemstone Company this 0.74 carat marquise garnet represents a confluence of strong technical attributes, geographic provenance, and historical resonance. Its dimensions and proportions are optimized for both mounted jewelry and cabinet presentation, the mixed brilliant cut yields a compelling balance of scintillation and color retention, and the eye level clarity paired with no enhancement increases its desirability for discerning buyers. For buyers considering custom design we recommend protective point settings or low profile bezels for daily wear, and a minimal halo when maximizing visual presence is the goal. We also advise photographic documentation and laboratory reporting when acquisition for investment or collection is intended. This stone is offered through The Natural Gemstone Company with full disclosure of origin treatment and cutting attributes, and it will be delivered with our standard handling protocol to preserve the faceting and polish achieved by the cutter.