1.79 Ct. Purplish Pink Rhodolite Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing presents one transparent rhodolite garnet weighing 1.79 carat, cut to an oval outline with measured dimensions 7.45 x 6.11 x 4.82 millimeters, sourced from Ceylon Sri Lanka, and offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The stone exhibits no enhancement, which is significant for collectors and connoisseurs who prioritize untreated material. The size alone places this specimen in a scarce tier for rhodolites, where encounter rates above one and a half carats in clean, saturated material are uncommon. The face up presentation is strong given the oval proportions, and the measured depth of 4.82 millimeters yields an overall depth to average diameter ratio of approximately 71.1 percent, a factor that materially influences the stone color and apparent saturation when set.

The gem has been fashioned to a mixed brilliant style, a cutting strategy that marries brilliant type facet geometry on the crown with a precision faceted pavilion designed to optimize contrast and return. The cutter has maintained a moderate crown height and a pavilion profile that favors depth and color retention over maximum spread, which is evident in the measured depth and the excellent polish throughout. The faceting execution is precise, with symmetrical facet junctions and tight girdle faceting that produce clean facet reflections and scintillation. The combination of mixed brilliant geometry and the stone proportions reduces windowing and maximizes face up color, making the oval appear more saturated and lively under both natural and controlled illumination.

Optically the gem reads as purplish pink with intense color intensity, a hue and saturation combination that is a defining attribute of high quality rhodolite. Garnet as a species is isotropic, so the color is homogenous across viewing angles and does not exhibit pleochroism, which makes the observed intense purplish pink consistent in daily wear. The clarity is graded as very slightly included at eye level, and the inclusions present are minor and do not interrupt the path of light through the pavilion in a way that degrades brilliance. From a gemological viewpoint this clarity grade is particularly attractive in rhodolite material of this color and size, because higher saturation often correlates with more abundant inclusions in many deposits. Typical refractive index values for rhodolite range from approximately 1.74 to 1.76, and specific gravity commonly falls in the region of 3.78 to 3.82, properties that contribute to the strong light return and lively color that are evident in this specimen.

Rarity considerations for this piece are twofold and compound its desirability. First, the weight of 1.79 carat in a clean and transparent rhodolite is relatively rare compared to the more common smaller sizes that predominate in the market. Second, the intense purplish pink hue exhibited here appears beyond the more frequent pink red to wine tones typical of many rhodolites, placing it closer to the top end of the color spectrum for the variety. The absence of any enhancement further increases market value and collector appeal, as heat treatment and other interventions are common in many colored stone categories. For setting recommendations, the cutter and proportions will perform well in an open gallery mounting that allows light access to the pavilion, and a four prong or low bezel setting in platinum or 18 karat white gold will emphasize color contrast and protect the oval silhouette while maintaining a bright appearance. For bespoke commissions or investment purchases The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional high resolution imagery, measurement documentation, and independent laboratory grading upon request, ensuring full provenance and technical transparency for serious buyers.