3.22 Ct. Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent purplish red garnet is a 3.22 carat cushion shape gem, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company, with dimensions of 9.91 by 8.56 by 4.24 mm. The stone is fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut designed to combine the fire and scintillation of brilliant facets with the broad, even color presentation typical of step cutting. Color intensity is described as intense, and the polish is excellent, resulting in a highly finished surface that interacts cleanly with light. The gem is natural and untreated, no enhancement, and is documented as originating from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a source known for producing gemstones with strong, appealing color. These specification points define the gem in objective terms, enabling an accurate assessment of its suitability for a range of jewelry applications.

The color of this garnet is the defining attribute, a purplish red that sits between classic red and a cooler purple bias. The hue is rich and saturated, with even tone across the table and pavilion, and the mixed brilliant arrangement of facets supports a balance between internal brilliance and surface reflections. Under varied lighting the stone displays depth of color without appearing overly dark, which is in part a function of its proportions and the cutter s choices. The cushion outline provides a broad table that emphasizes color, while the combination of chevron and step elements in the mixed brilliant cut promotes flashes of lighter red and purple as the gem moves. For clients who prioritize color intensity, this garnet offers a strong, vivid presence that remains readable in both daylight and artificial light.

Clarity is graded very very slightly included evaluated at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal and do not detract from the gem s overall transparency or visual appeal when viewed without magnification. The stone is effectively clean to the unaided eye, and the inclusions that are present have been accommodated by the cutter so as not to interrupt light flow or create obvious distractions. The measured depth is 4.24 mm, which produces an approximate depth ratio of 46 percent based on the average of length and width. This proportion supports good light return and a pleasing face up appearance for a cushion form. The excellent polish contributes to clean facet junctions and crisp reflections, enhancing perceived brilliance and making the most of the intense color. The origin from Ceylon Sri Lanka is relevant to both market perception and gemological context, as it aligns with provenance expectations for fine colored stones, and the absence of enhancement confirms the natural character of the material.

Garnet hardness typically ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale depending on species, and this gem falls within that general range, offering solid resistance to everyday abrasion when set appropriately. For comparison, diamond is rated 10 on the Mohs scale and corundum varieties such as sapphire and ruby are rated 9, so garnet is softer than those stones yet harder than many other common gem materials. Practical implications include selecting protective settings for rings that will be worn daily, such as bezel or low profile prongs, and being mindful of potential surface wear when the stone is exposed to rough contact. Cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is advised, avoiding ultrasonic or steam methods if there is any uncertainty about internal features. The Natural Gemstone Company can provide handling and setting recommendations tailored to specific design choices, ensuring both visual impact and long term durability. In summary, this 3.22 carat cushion purplish red garnet combines intense natural color, a skillful mixed brilliant cut, a very very slightly included clarity grade evaluated at eye level, excellent polish, no enhancement, and Ceylon Sri Lanka origin, making it a well documented and visually compelling choice for fine colored gem jewelry.