1.66 Ct. Rhodolite Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This specimen is a transparent, unenhanced 1.66 carat rhodolite garnet, cut to a cushion shape with precise dimensions of 8.00 by 6.14 by 3.65 millimeters, originating from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, and offered through The Natural Gemstone Company. The stone carries a mixed brilliant cut that balances faceted crown brilliance with a proportioned pavilion, producing a vivid visual interplay between saturation and light return. Clarity is described as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, which in practical terms presents the gem as essentially eye-clean, allowing uninterrupted transmission of light across its body. Color is intense and sits in the purplish red range, a hallmark hue for quality rhodolite that combines the warmth of garnet red with a subtle violet influence, and the polish is graded excellent, yielding crisp facet junctions and a smooth, reflective surface. No enhancements have been applied, so the stone’s optical and structural characteristics are entirely natural, and the combination of these technical attributes is the foundation of its consistent and multidirectional beauty.

The mixed brilliant cut and the cushion outline are central to how this garnet performs optically, and the measured proportions contribute directly to light performance from every angle. The relatively shallow to moderate depth implied by the 3.65 millimeter profile, paired with the 8.00 by 6.14 millimeter table and outline, allows for strong light return without sacrificing the saturation required for the intense purplish red color. Faceting has been executed to emphasize both scintillation and color depth, so that movement produces lively flashes from the crown facets while the pavilion facets reinforce the gem’s core tone. Because the material is highly transparent with only very slight inclusions visible at the unaided eye level, there is minimal disruption to internal light paths, permitting a clear and consistent color presentation across the surface and into the stone’s heart. From the face up view the cushion silhouette presents a broad, inviting table and soft rounded corners, and from side and oblique views the mixed cut offers layered reflections and depth, making the gem appear lively without dispersing its characteristic color.

Polish quality and finish are often overlooked technical factors that substantially influence perceived beauty, and in this case an excellent polish accentuates the clean faceting and overall symmetry. Smooth facet surfaces allow for sharp, well-defined reflections, and the excellent polish minimizes surface diffusion so that the gem’s internal color and clarity read with immediacy. The result is a gem that exhibits consistent brilliance when viewed in varied lighting environments, and that maintains its visual integrity when mounted or worn. Images of this rhodolite in hand illustrate how the stone occupies its scale, presenting as vividly colored yet refined, and the excellent surface finish contributes to a lively, wet-looking appearance that enhances color saturation without artificially inflating it. The combination of a well-executed mixed brilliant faceting scheme and an impeccable polish means the stone remains visually appealing whether observed directly from above, at an angle, or in motion, with each viewpoint revealing balanced scintillation and a steady, intense hue.

Practical considerations reinforce the gem’s desirability and usability, and the natural, unenhanced origin from Sri Lanka provides clear provenance and stable optical properties. Rhodolite garnet is known for good durability for everyday wear, and with a sound cutting and polish quality this particular piece will perform well in a variety of jewelry settings. The cushion dimensions and mixed cut lend themselves to classic prong settings that showcase the crown and table, low-profile bezel settings that protect edges while preserving color, or halo designs where the intense purplish red can be contrasted with lighter accent stones. Because the stone has not undergone any heating or other laboratory enhancements, its color and clarity are intrinsic, and routine care by warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush is recommended to maintain the excellent polish and optical clarity, avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning only when inclusions or mounting conditions contraindicate such methods. The Natural Gemstone Company supports documentation for origin and treatment status upon request, and this rhodolite represents a clear example of how natural, well-cut material with minimal inclusions and superior finish can deliver cohesive beauty from every angle, retaining its character and presence under both close inspection and everyday wear.