1.61 Ct. Rhodolite Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This transparent 1.61 carat cushion shape rhodolite garnet measures 7.60 x 5.51 x 3.86 mm, and presents a controlled balance of depth and table surface that is ideal for a mixed brilliant faceting scheme. The cutter has employed a mixed brilliant design that marries a shallow step crown with a brilliant pavilion, producing a lively interplay of scintillation and broad flashes of color. The gem carries an intense color intensity, a clarity grade of slightly included when evaluated at eye level, and an excellent polish that yields crisp facet junctions and minimal surface abrasion. There has been no enhancement to this material, and the documented origin is Ceylon Sri Lanka, a provenance that contributes to its distinctive chemical fingerprint and optical expression.

From a cutting and optical performance perspective the mixed brilliant approach on this cushion form optimizes light return within the stone dimensions given, the shallow crown facets moderate the dispersion and allow the primary hue to dominate, while the brilliant pavilion facets generate return paths that enhance face up brightness. The faceting geometry produces clean keystone and star facets that work in concert with the pavilion mains to limit windowing, and the girdle shows consistent thickness that supports secure setting without unnecessary material loss. Clarity wise the inclusions are slight at face up inspection, primarily comprised of fine needles and a few pinpoint crystals that do not materially interrupt the path of light through the pavilion, they are positioned in peripheral locations that allow the central table to read as clean and transparent, and the overall effect is a gem that maintains strong face up saturation while retaining lively internal reflections. The excellent polish is evident in the mirror like facet surfaces, this contributes to sharp light return and crisp color demarcation between facets when the stone is rotated under a point light source.

In terms of hue and tone this Sri Lankan rhodolite reads as a pinkish purple leant toward the purple side of the rhodolite spectrum, its tone sits in a medium dark range that provides depth without veiling the inherent pink component. When compared to classic Mozambican rhodolites this stone displays a cooler purple bias, Mozambique examples often trend warmer with a stronger pink red influence, while this Ceylon piece leans more violet and exhibits a somewhat higher proportion of secondary purple. Compared to Tanzania and East African rhodolites which can present a bright vivid pink tone with lighter body color, the Ceylon specimen shows a denser tone and more subdued overtone that yields a richer overall appearance. Versus Malagasy rhodolite material this gem is more saturated and darker, Madagascar pieces sometimes show paler pinks with higher transparency but less body color. When placed alongside historic Sri Lankan sapphires the comparison highlights the difference in chromophore activity, the sapphire will show the classic cornflower to royal blue windowed by different trace elements, while this rhodolite demonstrates how manganese and iron chemistry produces a stable pinkish purple hue rather than the blue family. Compared to Burmese rubies this rhodolite lacks the pure red saturation and heating history associated with ruby material, instead offering a distinct pink violet personality that is rarer and often more versatile in design. The tone and saturation of this stone fall between the lighter, more vivid pink rhodolites from East Africa and the deeper, more purple leaning stones sometimes sourced from Sri Lanka and Madagascar, making it a compelling choice for collectors who prioritize a balanced purple pink that performs well in both daylight and incandescent lighting.

This combination of measured proportions, mixed brilliant faceting, intense color intensity, and unenhanced Sri Lankan origin creates a gem that is well suited for a center stone in ring jewelry or a pendant that benefits from a cushion silhouette, the slightly included clarity grade supports confident setting choices without sacrificing visual impact, and the excellent polish ensures the stone will project lively flashes and crisp color contrast in finished work. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this rhodolite as a technical specimen that will reward close inspection by connoisseurs who appreciate the nuances of hue and tone between geographic sources, and who value precise cutting and natural provenance in their gemstone acquisitions.