0.97 Ct. Spessartite Garnet from Madagascar

This specimen is a transparent 0.97 carat spessartite garnet, presented in an oval outline with exact dimensions of 6.85 by 4.91 by 3.07 millimeters. The gem displays a medium intense orange hue that is entirely natural, with no treatments or enhancements, and originates from Madagascar. Clarity has been assessed as very slightly included at eye level, indicating the presence of minor internal characteristics that do not materially affect the stone’s overall transparency. The surface finish is described as excellent polish, which ensures that the facets present crisp, well-defined planes for light to enter and exit the stone. The Natural Gemstone Company provides this gem with full disclosure of its origin, treatment status, and measured proportions, so that its optical and physical attributes can be evaluated with confidence.

The mixed brilliant cut applied to this oval spessartite is a deliberately balanced approach to facet architecture, combining a brilliant-style crown with a more pavilion-focused arrangement that controls light paths within the stone. The brilliant crown facets create multiple small windows for incident light to be dispersed and reflected, producing strong scintillation and lively flashes as the stone or the observer moves. The pavilion and lower facet arrangement have been fashioned to promote efficient internal reflection, guiding light back through the crown rather than allowing it to leak out through the sides or base. In this specimen the measured depth of 3.07 millimeters, relative to the face dimensions, supports a pavilion geometry that favors return of light, providing a pleasing interplay of bright and dark facets that enhances perceived brilliance without sacrificing color saturation.

Because spessartite garnet has a relatively high refractive index and inherent dispersion compared with many common gem species, the relationship between facet angles and table size is especially important to optical performance. The mixed brilliant cut in this oval form preserves the gem’s medium intense orange color by confining larger facet planes to areas that display chromatic intensity, while using smaller, well-placed facets to break up light into scintillation. The excellent polish minimizes surface scattering, allowing the gem’s internal reflections to remain clean and well-defined, and the very slightly included clarity grade means that internal features are generally inconspicuous and do not interrupt the continuity of light return. The result is a stone that presents a vivid, consistent color face-up, while offering dynamic, lively sparkle and clearly delineated facet contrast when viewed from different angles.

From a practical perspective, the 0.97 carat weight and the oval outline make this spessartite suitable for a variety of jewelry settings where balanced proportions and visual presence are desired. The natural, untreated color and the provenance from Madagascar add to the gem’s character and collectibility, and the combination of a considered mixed brilliant cut with meticulous polishing ensures optical performance that will meet discerning standards. For those assessing suitability for specific designs, The Natural Gemstone Company can provide further information about setting recommendations and secure handling, noting that spessartite garnet’s durability is appropriate for everyday wear when set with protection in mind.