0.99 Ct. Mali Garnet from West Africa

A luminous and unusually graceful Mali garnet from West Africa, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company, invites the eye with a greenish yellow glow that feels both modern and timeless. This transparent oval gem weighs 0.99 carat, and measures 6.49 x 5.40 x 4.09 millimeters, a size that balances presence with wearability. The mixed brilliant cut has been chosen to marry the classic oval silhouette with facets that maximize internal fire and return of light, and the excellent polish ensures a satin free surface that enhances brilliance. Evaluated at eye level, the clarity is very very slightly included, which means the stone reads clean to most viewers while retaining the natural character that collectors prize. The medium color intensity gives the gem a warm, sunlit tone that moves between lemon and olive depending on the light, and because this piece has received no enhancement, the hue is entirely natural and preserved in its original state.

Garnet is one of the most ancient and storied gem families known to humanity, carried through millennia in signet rings, talismans, and sacred ornaments, and Mali garnet connects that deep legacy to a more recent chapter in gemological history. Discovered in West Africa in the late twentieth century, Mali garnets rapidly gained admiration for their fresh, yellow to greenish yellow palette, a variation that complements classical jewelry forms and contemporary settings alike. This particular oval, with its refined proportions, evokes the kind of heirloom simplicity favored by classical artisans, yet its mixed brilliant pavilion introduces vibrant scintillation that reads as distinctly modern. The balance of transparent clarity and medium color intensity allows this stone to perform beautifully under both candlelight and daylight, offering a versatile centerpiece for a ring or a pendant that will endure across seasons and styles.

When considering practical wearability, the garnet family is noted for a solid measure of durability, and this Mali garnet is well suited for fine jewelry with sensible care. Garnets generally fall in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and Mali garnets commonly sit around the midpoint to upper end of that range, offering reliable resistance to everyday abrasion and scratching. By comparison, diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs scale, and sapphire and ruby rank 9, which means those stones are harder and more scratch resistant, while quartz at 7 and topaz at 8 occupy nearby positions on the scale. The practical takeaway is that this 0.99 carat Mali garnet will hold up nicely in many jewelry settings, yet because it is not as hard as corundum or diamond, designers often recommend protective settings for rings that will be worn daily, or a bezel mounting that shelters the girdle and pavilion. Routine cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush will keep the stone lively, and the fact that it has no enhancement simplifies care and assures long term color stability.

Beyond its technical virtues, this Mali garnet carries a provenance and presence that make it ideal for a meaningful commission or a signature piece from The Natural Gemstone Company. The West African origin speaks to a storied landscape of artisanal mining and regional trade, and the stone arrives to the bench ready for classical or bespoke interpretation. Its one carat nearly weight, elegant oval dimensions, and exceptional polish make it an excellent candidate for an engagement ring for someone who values legacy and individuality, or for a pendant that will read like an heirloom passed between generations. We at The Natural Gemstone Company welcome inquiries about custom settings, consultations about metal choices that best complement the greenish yellow tone, and advice on practical care for everyday wear. If you seek a gem that bridges the ancient romance of garnet with a color and cut that feel utterly fresh, this Mali garnet provides a rare opportunity to own a piece that is both durable and deeply evocative.