The oval is the workhorse shape in faceted coloured stone, and for garnet it is close to ideal. It follows the shape most rough arrives in, so less material is lost; it gives a broad face for the weight; and on a finger it reads generous without the bulk of a round of the same carat.

The stone

9.25 carats, which is 10.16 ratti. Rs. 10,280, about Rs. 1,111 per carat, reference GSN-GT-15. An oval faceted stone. One piece, as photographed.

What it looks like

Measured from the photograph, this stone reads 56 out of 255 in brightness, placing it in the middle of our darker group. Red leads the next strongest colour channel by 23 points. The facets are cut to return light through the centre, so the stone opens into clear red where a lamp catches it while the shoulders hold their depth.

What makes a good oval

1. Symmetry. Both halves either side of the long axis should match. A lopsided oval is obvious once it sits in a setting.
2. Proportion. Roughly three to two is the classic ratio. Longer reads as a marquise; shorter starts to look like a failed round.
3. No bow-tie. Hold it flat and look for a dark band across the middle. A good oval has little or none.
4. A live centre. The middle should return light, not sit as a flat window.

Why faceted rather than domed

Garnet is transparent enough to reward facets, which is why you almost never see it cut as a smooth cabochon the way opaque or translucent stones are. Facets send light back through the stone and show off the dispersion. A cabochon would simply make a dark garnet darker.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet says so. Garnet is one of the least-treated gemstones sold, with no routine heat or diffusion process behind its colour, but we have not run the test and will not claim otherwise. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Durability

Garnet rates 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and has no cleavage plane, so it stands up to daily wear in a ring. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners where inclusions are visible.

More

The garnet price guide covers rates, the January birthstone page covers the tradition, and the collection page has the rest.

Ordering

One piece only. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan by insured, tracked courier, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery — open the parcel and look at the stone before you pay — and seven days to return it unused. Dimensions have not been recorded; message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural garnet with a weight of 9.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 10,280 — roughly Rs. 1,111 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-15 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

From six carats up a stone becomes the centre of attention. It wants a broader shank or a secure claw setting and suits an occasion ring, a signet or a centre pendant. Clean natural material of this size turns up far less often, and the per-carat rate reflects that.

On the Mohs scale garnet rates 7 to 7.5. It handles daily wear, but a hard knock can still nick an exposed corner, so a protective setting is a sensible choice. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and keep it away from abrasive cleaners and high heat.

Whoever you buy garnet from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every garnet for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Garnet is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.