1.98 Ct. Rhodolite Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing presents a beautiful transparent red rhodolite garnet, weighing 1.98 carats, with measurements of 7.34 by 6.37 by 4.87 millimeters, cut in an elegant radiant shape. The stone displays a vivid color intensity that reads as a rich, saturated red with subtle berry overtones, a hue prized by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The radiant cut has been skillfully executed to balance face up appearance and brilliance, producing lively flashes across the table and pavilion. The polish is graded excellent, which enhances the gem's ability to return light and present a clean, reflective surface. This gem is untreated, no enhancement, making it a truly natural example of rhodolite from its stated origin of Ceylon Sri Lanka.

Regarding clarity and cutting, this rhodolite is evaluated as very very slightly included when inspected at eye level, a grade that indicates the stone is essentially eye clean to most observers. In practical terms this means any inclusions are minimal, small, and do not interrupt the gem's transparency or brilliance, and they are not visible at arm's length. The radiant cut used here is a hybrid design that combines trimmed corners with a faceting scheme that borrows from brilliant and step cuts, allowing deeper color saturation while maintaining scintillation. The excellent polish and accurate facet alignment contribute to optimal light performance, which is especially important with richly colored stones where cut quality determines how color is displayed and spread across the gem face.

On the subject of durability, rhodolite garnet is an excellent choice for daily wear, with a Mohs hardness that typically ranges from 7.0 to 7.5, and with good toughness for most jewelry applications. Garnets lack true cleavage, which means they are considerably less likely to split along crystal planes under normal wear conditions, a practical advantage for rings and other pieces exposed to occasional knocks. That said, like all gemstones, rhodolite will benefit from prudent care, and should be protected from severe impacts and from abrasive contact with harder materials. For routine cleaning, warm soapy water and a soft brush are recommended, rinsing thoroughly and drying with a soft cloth. Ultrasonic cleaning can be acceptable for many garnets, but because inclusions vary from stone to stone, we advise avoiding steam cleaning and extreme temperature changes unless the stone has been examined by a qualified gemmologist and confirmed safe for such treatments.

For the educated buyer, this particular stone offers several attributes that justify its desirability and value. The weight of 1.98 carats is substantial for a richly colored rhodolite, and the precise dimensions provide an ideal balance between presence and wearability. The vivid natural color, coupled with the absence of enhancements, increases its appeal to collectors and those seeking a naturally beautiful gem. The origin, Ceylon Sri Lanka, carries provenance value, as Sri Lanka is historically renowned for producing high quality gemstones across multiple species, and known sources can influence demand and long term appreciation. The eye clean clarity and excellent polish further reduce the need for costly setting or treatment work, making this gem a ready candidate for a high quality custom setting, or for inclusion in an investment oriented gemstone portfolio.

From a practical design standpoint this radiant rhodolite adapts well to a variety of jewelry styles, making it an excellent choice for a daily wear ring, a pendant worn close to the heart, or a pair of matched pieces for earrings when combined with a complementary stone. The trimmed corners of the radiant cut respond well to classic four or six prong settings, and a bezel setting can be used where additional protection is desired. Warm metals such as yellow or rose gold will visually enrich the red tones, while white gold or platinum will produce a striking contrast, highlighting brilliance and fire. At The Natural Gemstone Company we stand behind the details provided, and we can supply additional photographs, measured reports, and provenance information on request, to assist you in making a confident purchase decision. If you would like a consultation on setting options, appraisal documentation, or secure shipping, we are happy to help you plan the perfect presentation for this exceptional natural rhodolite garnet.