1.09 Ct. Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

Presenting a rare and elegant red garnet from The Natural Gemstone Company, a transparent cushion shaped gem weighing 1.09 carat, with dimensions of 6.96 x 5.02 x 3.26 mm, and a mixed brilliant cut that maximizes fire and light return. What sets this gem apart from the many garnets on the market is a combination of provenance, cutting, and natural clarity. Many garnets available today are darker, heavily included, or subjected to surface coatings and heat treatments to enhance tone. This Ceylon Sri Lanka garnet displays a medium intense color intensity that reads as a pure, vivid red with subtle depth rather than a flat uniform tone, and it is completely natural with no enhancement. The clarity grade is very very slightly included as evaluated at eye level, which in practical terms means the stone appears clean to the eye while retaining the telling signs of a genuine natural crystal, an advantage over synthetics and heavily treated stones that often show unnaturally perfect clarity. The excellent polish and the mixed brilliant faceting yield lively internal reflections, a crisp outline, and a cushion silhouette that wears larger than its carat weight suggests thanks to its well judged proportions.

When you compare this garnet to other options on the market, several points make it a superior choice. First, origin matters, and Ceylon Sri Lanka has a long reputation for producing gemstones with classical beauty and stable color. This garnet’s hue is neither too brown nor too purple, which can be common in lower grade specimens, but rather a balanced red that photographs attractively and performs brilliantly under varied lighting. Second, the mixed brilliant cut is a modern interpretation of traditional faceting, combining a faceted pavilion that enhances scintillation, with a cushion top that preserves a vintage charm. Many off the shelf garnets are cut with economy in mind, leaving rough facets and shallow pavilions that lack sparkle. Third, this gem is untreated, unmatched by many market pieces that rely on enhancement to achieve richer tones. The very very slightly included clarity condition is actually a selling point for discerning collectors and jewelers, because those tiny inclusions are evidence of natural history, they do not detract from beauty at normal viewing distances, and they ensure long term stability. At The Natural Gemstone Company we prefer stones that speak of their origin and formation, rather than those that look manufactured, and this garnet is a textbook example of that philosophy.

There is also a deep sense of heritage embodied in this garnet, which aligns with historical uses of garnet across cultures, and which enhances its value for bespoke jewelry and heirloom pieces. Historically, garnets have been set into signet rings, pendants, and talismans for protection and vitality, prized by ancient Mediterranean and Asian cultures for their warm red tones and perceived ability to bring courage and healing. Sri Lankan garnets in particular have featured in classical trade routes, admired by traders and royalty alike for their vivid color and clarity, and they were often passed down through generations as keepsakes. By choosing this stone you are linking contemporary design with centuries of gemstone tradition, and the cushion shape lends itself perfectly to classic settings such as three stone rings, open faced lockets, and bezel mounted pendants that showcase the gem like a miniature portrait. Unlike mass produced alternatives that echo trend cycles and then fade, a well chosen garnet with authentic origin and natural character becomes more meaningful with time and embodies a narrative, which is why collectors and families prefer natural, untreated pieces from reputable sources.

Finally, in terms of practical value and usage, this 1.09 carat cushion garnet performs exceptionally well for both daily wear and special occasion pieces, offering an ideal balance of size and presence. Its measurements of 6.96 x 5.02 x 3.26 mm make it versatile for ring settings that flatter many finger sizes, while the medium intense color ensures the gem stands out without overpowering a design. Compared to higher priced red stones such as rubies, this garnet offers a far better price to visual impact ratio, allowing the creation of dramatic jewelry without an equivalent financial outlay. The Natural Gemstone Company guarantees the stone is natural, untreated, and authenticated for the attributes described, and our team is available to advise on ideal mounting styles that will protect the gem while showcasing its brilliance. For those seeking a piece that blends historical resonance, natural origin, and superior cutting and polish, this Ceylon garnet is an outstanding choice that will retain its charm for generations.