Spessartite Garnet Ring

Some seller says an orange red spessartite garnet commands highest price. Other sellers say mandarin garnet indeed commands the highest price. As far as I’m concern, an orange mandarin garnet is far better in demand and price than red spessartite garnet.

Anyway, I can hardly resist this magnificent orange red spessartite garnet in 18k yellow gold ring. The look & colors of this spessartite is superb. The ring style is contemporary. The spessartite garnet weighs 21.49 carats.

This ring is offered by Nigel Milne in 1stdibs.com at $8,400.
http://jewelry.1stdibs.com/jewelry_item_detail.php?id=44465

Now I understand why some seller prefers an orange red spessartite garnet.

Teodora Emerald

In a couple days, we will know the price tag of the world's largest cut emerald. The rough-cut opaque emerald looks like watermelon was appraised at $1.15 million. The emerald will be auctioned on January 28, 2012.

The emerald weights 57,000 carat or 11.5 kilograms. It is named 'Teodora' and rough translation is 'God's Gift.'

"It's not unusual for gemstones to sell a lot higher than their appraised value, just depending on who wants to possess the largest emerald in the world. Really the sky's the limit," Western Star Auctions owner Mike Odenbach.

Ready for writing a check? May be you are one of collectors who like to chase the Guinness world record things.

Renowned gem and jewelry expert Antoinette Matlins, whom I rather base opinions in gem and jewelry on, said the stone "appears to be heavily included with numerous surface reaching fractures."

Personally, I prefer smaller natural top-notch blue green color emerald in very good clarity that not gone through treatment. And in this economic climate, 1 million dollars may be well spent in gold or precious metals. Let's hope one day the emerald will find its place in some museum so that anyone can enjoy this natural beauty.

(photo by Western Star Auction)