A pendant is the kindest way to wear any stone, and for a deeply coloured one it is also the most flattering: light reaches the stone from the front, where you are looking at it, rather than from above as it does on a hand. For garnet that difference is worth a good deal.

The stone

9.50 carats, which is 10.44 ratti. Rs. 10,500, about Rs. 1,105 per carat, reference GSN-GT-17. One piece, as photographed.

What it looks like

Measured from the photograph, this stone reads 61 out of 255 in brightness — the lightest of our deeper garnets, where the rest of that group runs 38 to 58. Red leads the next strongest colour channel by 26 points. In practice that means it carries a proper garnet depth while still showing its colour in ordinary indoor light, which makes it a good compromise if the very dark stones feel like too much.

Why a pendant suits garnet

1. Light comes from the right direction. A pendant faces outwards and catches light from in front, which is exactly what a transparent red stone needs.
2. Fewer knocks than a ring. Garnet is hard enough not to worry about, but nothing survives a desk edge forever.
3. Size is free. At 9.50 carats this stone would feel substantial on a finger and looks simply right on a chain.
4. It sits against skin and fabric, both of which make red read warmer and deeper.

Setting advice

Ask for an open-backed mount with a simple bail. The open back is the important part — it lets light pass through the stone instead of stopping at a metal plate, and on any deeply coloured gem that is the difference between alive and flat. Silver or white metal keeps the red clean; gold warms it.

Treatment

Not tested, and the specification sheet says so rather than implying otherwise. Garnet is one of the least-treated gems in the trade, with no routine heat or diffusion process behind its colour. We can arrange independent laboratory testing before dispatch if you would like it.

Durability and care

Garnet rates 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and has no cleavage, so it needs no special handling. Warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners where inclusions are visible.

More

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

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 9.5 Carat. Its price is Rs. 10,500 — roughly Rs. 1,105 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-GT-17 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.