8.21 Ct. Rhodolite Garnet from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This oval red rhodolite garnet presents as a transparent, precisely cut gemstone, weighing 8.21 carats, and measuring 15.03 by 10.78 by 7.02 millimeters, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company. The stone exhibits a vivid color intensity with an even, saturated red hue and an excellent polish that enhances surface brilliance. Clarity is graded as eye clean when evaluated at normal viewing distance, which permits unobstructed internal light transmission and maximizes scintillation from the faceting geometry. This specimen originates from Ceylon Sri Lanka, and there are no enhancements applied, confirming that the color and clarity are natural characteristics of the material. The choice of a mixed brilliant cut in an oval outline was deliberate to balance depth, table proportion, and pavilion architecture, producing both strong return of light and a lively display of contrast facets across the crown. The overall finishing demonstrates consistent girdle thickness and symmetrical pavilion depth, which together support stable setting and predictable optical performance in jewelry.

The geometric faceting has been executed to achieve maximum light play through a disciplined application of brilliant style crown faceting combined with a modified pavilion. The crown presents a balanced arrangement of star facets and kite facets surrounding a moderately sized table, which contributes to a controlled dispersion pattern and a tight, fiery return under direct light. Upper girdle facets are proportioned to direct light into the pavilion mains, while lower girdle facets are calibrated to produce lively scintillation without overwhelming the stone with broad flashes. On the pavilion, the cutter employed a mixed approach that uses specifically angled main facets and pavilion halves to establish efficient internal reflection pathways, reducing light leakage at typical viewing angles for an oval. Symmetry is precise with aligned facet junctions and uniform facet plane polish, which minimizes optical interference and allows the vivid red color to flash and rotate as the gem is moved. The result is an oval rhodolite that presents both broad, saturated color fields and a dynamic pattern of pinpoint scintillation and larger flashes, a combination valued by technical buyers who assess both facet architecture and light behavior.

From a color and setting perspective, the specimen is exceptionally versatile. The vivid red tone is deep enough to read as luxurious in lower ambient light, yet lively enough to reveal secondary pink undertones in bright environments, producing a desirable range of visual responses without evidence of color zoning. The eye clean clarity ensures the faceting geometry performs as intended, with internal light paths unobstructed by inclusions, and the no enhancement status means the color is stable and untreated. For mounting, an open pavilion setting or minimal bezel will allow optimal light ingress and egress, maximizing scintillation and face up brightness, while a four or six prong setting will preserve the oval silhouette and permit the table and crown facets to present fully. For clients seeking technical assurance, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional images and viewing angles to demonstrate the stone under varied lighting, and our team can advise on setting proportions and orientation to maintain the cutter intended optical balance. This 8.21 carat Ceylon rhodolite is a study in precise faceting and material quality, suitable for collectors and designers who prioritize engineered light performance, natural color integrity, and meticulous finishing craftsmanship.