The garnet with more fire than diamond
Demantoid is green andradite garnet. Its name comes from an old word for diamond, for its diamond-like lustre, and its dispersion, the fire that splits light into colour, is higher than diamond’s.
The classic material came from the Ural Mountains in the nineteenth century and was a favourite of Russian jewellers. Ural stones often carry fine golden fibres called “horsetail” inclusions, prized as a sign of origin. Namibia and Madagascar produce today, mostly in small sizes.
SOURCE
Russia, Namibia
The Urals set the reference; Namibia supplies much of today’s market.
SIGNATURE
Horsetail inclusions
A mark of Russian origin, and valued rather than discounted.
SIZE
Mostly under 2 ct
Fine stones above two carats are scarce.