Red stones

[strangelystitched]

Hello everyone, I am a new member and of course I already need some help. I am very very interested in an engagement ring with a red stone, and I originally thought I wanted a garnet. However, due to some research on things such as refractive index, dispersion, etc, I may be interested in something else entirely.What is your opinion on the pros and cons of garnets, red spinel and red zircon, with regard to light performance (if any), whether there is any scintillation in any of these stones, basically if I am going to get any flash at all or just a clear red stone. Thanks for any and all responses!

 

[Missrocks]

As far as color goes, you will be able to get more saturated colors with zircons or spinels. I haven''t ever seen any (intense color) garnets. Zircon has a high refractive index as well as high dispersion rate- you may get a more fiery stone. But I haven''t seen a lot of red ones. Some PSers have some gorgeous intense red spinels. I think I remember seeing chrono post some. ...maybe some owners will chime in!

 

[cinnamon013]

I think this spinel is a gorgeous color of red.
http://www.whitesgems.com/gems/SPL006.htm

 

[chrono]

All the stones mentioned have different hues of red. It depends on which type you like better. There some lovely red garnets but most tend towards browner. I am very partial to red spinels not only for the colour but for the dispersion and toughness of the gemstone. Red zircons are lovely too with its double refraction but not as an everyday ring (too soft). Don't forget how beautiful a red sunstone can be if you take extra care with it.

As with all gemstones, all are beautiful and ugly depending on the cut and rough material of the stone itself. If you get an included overly dark spinel, then you will not get a clear sparkling stone. Also, if the cut is bad, then you'll get a lot of extinction, windowing, off center culet, off symmetry, etc.

 

[marcy]

I would go for a garnet or spinel. Both are gorgeous stones and very sparkly when you find nice stones. I think Zircon would not hold up well for every day wear.

 

[strangelystitched]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I''m pretty sure I will be focusing on garnet and spinel during my quest. Garnet for more personal reasons ( it''s my daughters birthstone) and spinel for the durability factor.

 

[movie zombie]

look for a red spessartite [garnet]....pyrope is rather too dark if you''re looking for some sparkle.

movie zombie

 

[pjean]

I love spinel, but if you''re looking for a real fire engine red, they can be VERY expensive.

I don''t know what your price range is, but you might want to decide ahead of time what colour variations are acceptable to you.