1.69 Ct. Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing describes a single, transparent, 1.69 carat emerald cut garnet originating from Ceylon Sri Lanka, with precise dimensions of 8.23 by 4.57 by 4.15 millimeters. The stone is faceted in a classical emerald cut with elongated step facets, featuring a length to width ratio of approximately 1.80 and a total depth of approximately 50 percent, proportions that favor clean linear reflections and a bold color presence. The garnet exhibits an orangish red hue with vivid color intensity, an eye clean clarity grade when viewed at normal operating distances, and an excellent polish that yields crisp facet junctions and minimal surface diffraction. There has been no enhancement applied to this gem, and all the presented characteristics are natural as sourced and assessed by The Natural Gemstone Company.

The emerald cut faceting emphasizes broad, parallel flashes rather than scintillation, producing a visual effect that reads as depth of tone and saturated color rather than high sparkle. The step cut crown and pavilion planes concentrate light flow along the length of the stone, creating pronounced color bands and a controlled window effect when viewed face up. Because the pavilion depth is moderate and the table is proportioned to the crown, light returns are strong and even, avoiding overly large windows or dark areas. The eye clean clarity at typical viewing distances ensures the step facets deliver uninterrupted optical planes, which is especially important for a vivid colored gem where inclusions can otherwise fragment color fields. The excellent polish enhances facet contrast, allowing the stone to present both mirror like reflections and the structured, architectural feel that collectors seek in a well executed emerald cut.

From a design and mounting perspective the stone’s geometry and optical personality suggest specific technical choices to maximize visual impact and long term performance. The rectangular proportions respond well to both classic vertical settings and east west orientations, depending on the design language desired. For a low profile daily wear piece a finely executed bezel with an open back for light passage will protect the girdle, support the corners and preserve the clean lines of the cut. For greater brilliance and to showcase the pavilion reflections, a four prong setting with filleted prong shoulders placed to support the cut corners is recommended, leaving the pavilion open to light. Given the approximately 4.15 millimeter depth the setting should allow for a 0.5 to 0.8 millimeter clearance below the pavilion tip to ensure breathing room for light return and for secure soldering of the seat. Small millimeter grade side stones should echo the emerald cut geometry to maintain optical coherence, with tapered baguettes or channel set step cut partner stones providing linear continuity, and with brilliant cut accents used sparingly to add point scintillation without disturbing the step pattern.

When considering complementary gemstones and metal choices the stone’s vivid orangish red color opens both classic and contemporary palettes. For a warm tone ensemble select cognac or champagne diamonds, orange sapphires, or spessartine garnet accents, set in 18 karat yellow or rose gold, all choices that reinforce the saturation and provide tonal harmony. For high contrast pairings choose saturated green stones such as tsavorite garnet or chrome diopside, set in white gold or platinum to make the orange red center pop against a cool field, or choose deep blue sapphires for a striking triadic contrast. For a refined, architectural ring consider step cut side stones in a three stone axis with two tapered emerald cut tsavorite or step cut diamonds aligned to the long axis of the center stone, creating a continuous ribbon of color and facet planes. For a pendant or bar style piece consider an east west bezel with micro pavé shoulders to add a delicate frame that preserves the linear aesthetic. Lighting will modulate perception, the emerald cut emphasizing depth in incandescent and warm lighting, while daylight reveals the slightly orange component more readily, allowing a custom setting to be selected to showcase the tonal behavior in the client’s typical environment. The Natural Gemstone Company stands ready to provide exacting setting specifications, matching partner stones and CAD visuals, ensuring that this unenhanced Ceylon garnet is mounted to both protect its proportions and to maximize its vivid color, clarity and facet expression.