Garnet! I got a question...

[OTL]

Hey, so I just bought an almost 5ct diamond cut very sparkly umbalite garnet(I remember I said something about cutting expense?? ). It does not come with a certificate,but I would want to be sure it is a natural rhodolite garnet. I' m just wondering are they enhancing rhodolite garnet at all? Or use other specimen to replace rhodolite garnet or even synthetic garnet? If so I will definitely get it certified myself. But if that's not very common, I will think about taking a risk as the vendor seems pretty reputable even though they are not on our recommending list.

 

[chrono]

I don't think rhodolites are treated at the moment although there's cases of garnets being clarity enhanced without disclosure. Other than that, just make sure it's not a synthetic or simulant or worse yet, coloured glass.

 

[OTL]

I don't think rhodolites are treated at the moment although there's cases of garnets being clarity enhanced without disclosure. Other than that, just make sure it's not a synthetic or simulant or worse yet, coloured glass.

Hmmm, how to be sure it is not synthetic or glass?

 

[chrono]

I don't suppose you have the tools to verify? If it isn't one of the usual places we trust, you may want to bring it to a local GG who can take a look at it if it's not an expensive stone. Otherwise your only other option is the labs.

 

[OTL]

I don't suppose you have the tools to verify? If it isn't one of the usual places we trust, you may want to bring it to a local GG who can take a look at it if it's not an expensive stone. Otherwise your only other option is the labs.

I don't have the tools, what would be basic tools for this use? I would love to start learning.

 

[chrono]

A loupe and good quality (no need for the best) refractometer is a good start. A little UV pen and Chelsea filter are fun to use too.

 

[LD]

Chrono - I hope you don't mind me disagreeing? None of the equipment you've listed will determine for definite about treatments and even in the hands of experienced collectors, looking through a loupe and being able to identify anything is a challenge!!!! Do you remember recently somebody was asking about inclusions and when I posted up a website full of photos they realised that they'd have to stare at gemstones through a loupe for hours to even begin to understand what they were seeing.

My advice is to take the gem to somebody who specialises in coloured gemstones who can given an opinion. Of course the only way to know for sure is a lab report (as you aluded to earlier in the thread Chrono).

 

[OTL]

I too doubt if I have the tools I can identify treatment, so I am just going to throw the name here. Anyone heard of custom gemstone studio? I searched in forum no one has mentioned them before, but I saw a lot of good stuff on their website. Many dealers and cutters work with them, and they all look quite professional, carrying large and beautiful rare stones.

 

[T L]

Hey, so I just bought an almost 5ct diamond cut very sparkly umbalite garnet(I remember I said something about cutting expense?? ). It does not come with a certificate,but I would want to be sure it is a natural rhodolite garnet. I' m just wondering are they enhancing rhodolite garnet at all? Or use other specimen to replace rhodolite garnet or even synthetic garnet? If so I will definitely get it certified myself. But if that's not very common, I will think about taking a risk as the vendor seems pretty reputable even though they are not on our recommending list.

As far as I know, rhodolite garnet (magnesium aluminum silicate) is not synthesized, although there are synthetic garnets called YAG and GGG with different chemical composition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garnet#Synthetic_garnets

I also know that they are clarity enhancing natural garnets, and of course, any deep purplish red synthetic can be used to simulate a rhodolite. Umbalite is the marketing name for rhodolites found in the Umba Valley of Tanzania. The good news is that since rhodolites are not terribly valuable stones, there is less incentive to want to synthesize or simulate them, unlike a fine sapphire.

If however, you need that peace of mind, take it to a COMPETENT gemologist or send it to a reputable lab for a memo. I would not spend more than I would for a fast track memo however.

 

[colorluvr]

Anyone heard of custom gemstone studio? I searched in forum no one has mentioned them before, but I saw a lot of good stuff on their website.

Custom Gemstone Studio represents has stones from some well know cutters. Do you know the name of the cutter?

 

[chrono]

Clarity enhancement using resin like those in emeralds and garnets can be detected via loupe but you must know what to look for. Also, YAG comes in various colour and is a synthetic stone which can mimic a garnet. Rare but if you know the difference, it's easy to tell them apart.

The equipment suggested can take some skill; it is something you can use to give a better understanding and appreciation of gemstones but not used as a definitive ID of gem type nor treatment. That is best left to trained experts. I did not state this clearly earlier and it seems that my post was misunderstood.

 

[txgreeneyes]

Know what's wrong with this entire thread? No pictures!!

 

[OTL]

Anyone heard of custom gemstone studio? I searched in forum no one has mentioned them before, but I saw a lot of good stuff on their website.

Custom Gemstone Studio represents has stones from some well know cutters. Do you know the name of the cutter?

There is no cutter name, only a company called wilds mineral global. In fact if you go to custom gemstone studio, you can find them on first page.
Ever heard of them? I wouldn't suppose such a company would sell synthetic stone... That would be pretty crazy.

 

[OTL]

Clarity enhancement using resin like those in emeralds and garnets can be detected via loupe but you must know what to look for. Also, YAG comes in various colour and is a synthetic stone which can mimic a garnet. Rare but if you know the difference, it's easy to tell them apart.

The equipment suggested can take some skill; it is something you can use to give a better understanding and appreciation of gemstones but not used as a definitive ID of gem type nor treatment. That is best left to trained experts. I did not state this clearly earlier and it seems that my post was misunderstood.

Chrono, you are perfectly clear with yourself. I understand it is a lot to learn, and nothing is guranteed. So to check stones is more for fun rather than identify them...

 

[OTL]

Know what's wrong with this entire thread? No pictures!!

The stone is not even shipped yet... Sorry that I don't have a photo now, and I feel vendor's picture is somewhat unrealistic, it is just too perfect so I want to wait until I take a photo.

 

[lelser]

I used to post my work there, but they are now affiliated with an organization that I've observed behaving unethically. Some of the cutters are great people, though.

Lisa
www.lisaelser.com

 

[OTL]

I used to post my work there, but they are now affiliated with an organization that I've observed behaving unethically. Some of the cutters are great people, though.

Lisa
www.lisaelser.com

Thanks Lisa, can you give more details about that? Is the organization called green gem foundation?

 

[txgreeneyes]

Know what's wrong with this entire thread? No pictures!!

The stone is not even shipped yet... Sorry that I don't have a photo now, and I feel vendor's picture is somewhat unrealistic, it is just too perfect so I want to wait until I take a photo.

I was teasing! Can't wait to see it!

 

[lelser]

That is the organization. I am not really free to comment, but resigned last year because it did not meet my ethical standards for a non-profit and I was unwilling to have my name associated with it. Tom and I donate 50% of our net profits overall, and half that back to the countries where we get our rough material. We now do that through reputable, tax-exempt organizations with presence on the ground in those countries.

 

[ChrisA222]

Lisa, did I read that correctly? You are donating HALF of your profits for all of your hard work? Wow, that is commendable. I know I could never donate an amount of that magnatude. Wow.

 

[OTL]

That is the organization. I am not really free to comment, but resigned last year because it did not meet my ethical standards for a non-profit and I was unwilling to have my name associated with it. Tom and I donate 50% of our net profits overall, and half that back to the countries where we get our rough material. We now do that through reputable, tax-exempt organizations with presence on the ground in those countries.

That's very amazing and generous. Even though the foundation isn't that good, tha does not mean the dealers and cutters on the website would cheat with their stones right? Buying from custom gemstone studio is still safe generally?

 

[lelser]

We have no children of our own, and worked in IT for a few decades. We're overall pretty simple people and were good savers. The gem business gives us enormous pleasure, and a chance to do some good and have some fun. Tom would also tell you it keeps me busy enough to stay out of trouble Around 25% of our net from the business goes to Canadian (mostly) Buddhist charities and a girl we support in an excellent school in Nepal. Around 25% we put into wells and sanitation, schools, and small businesses in Tanzania mostly.

Someday, I'd like the amount to remain stable, but the percentage to go down! As it is, we like where we see the money go.

I believe you need to just approach each cutter on that website there as you would any other individual. The organization I can in no way endorse.

Cheers,

Lisa
www.lisaelser.com

 

[OTL]

it's here

 

[OTL]

2 umbalites

 

[OTL]

the small umbalite

 

[chrono]

Is it pink or purplish or a combination of the two?

 

[OTL]

Is it pink or purplish or a combination of the two?

The big one:
indoor cool daylight it is more on the purple end
under warm light such as sundown or sunrise, it goes pink/red

The small one, always showing orange/pink reflects,with a purple dominant color.
but under fluorescent light it goes a little brown...
It is just showing different tones all the time...

 

[chrono]

How big are they? I think both are very well cut and the round a little prettier than the cushion.

 

[OTL]

small one 6.4x6.4

big one 10x10

all the pictures are close to what I see of them under different lighting conditions. I can't stop looking at them

Seenu from wilds-global minerals is great to work with. I saw their inventory on flickr, it is quite amazing, they have some 10ct mahenge spinels...best color! I am drooling on my desk admiring the stones...

the small one is actually from Jeff Davis.

 

[chrono]

Are both keepers?