purple garnet beads?

[boerumbiddy]

A friend bought what the auctioneer described as a choker of purple garnet beads. I haven't seen them. They are unfaceted and resemble amethysts, about 9 millimeters max., she estimates. How likely are they to be something other than garnets -- amethysts, for instance? Purple garnets seem to be rather scarce. What dealer specializes in this color? I see nothing at Mastercut.Whatever they are, she likes them and thinks she paid a good price.

 

[chrono]

Purple garnets are uncommon so I'd say the likelihood of them being as advertised is extremely low. I've seen a few purple garnets at All That Glitters.