HPJ REF. POINT: ULTRA RARE 3.43 CT IF AAA+RED AFRICAN PYROPE GARNET

Pyrope garnet is the best known of the red Garnets, and is fast becoming one of the rarest. It has a distinctive red colour that often resembles the colour of Ruby, or pomegranate seeds.

The word ‘Pyrope’ comes from the Greek word ‘puropus’, made up of ‘pur’ (fire) and ‘ops’ (eye) meaning ‘fiery-eyed’. This refers to the impressive brilliance of Pyrope Garnet, which is a result of its high refractive index.

The use of red Garnet dates back thousands of years, when it was used by Egyptian Pharaohs for both decorative and ceremonial purposes. The ancient Romans also wore Garnet rings and traded Garnet gemstones. In ancient times, Garnet and other red gemstones cut en cabochon were called ‘carbuncles’, which is not the prettiest of names because it was also used to define pus-filled boils.

Pyrope garnet sources include China, Madagascar, Myanmar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States. Deposits in the Czech Republic do still exist, but are of minor importance.

HPJ - THE RARE & THE BEAUTIFUL...