Gemstone Consignment Auction #5 Closed (#19788200)

8.45 ct Mahenge Garnet Gemstone Calibrated Parcel - ($3,810 Appraisal)

Cut - Oval Mixed Cut

Size:  7.61 x 6.14 x 4.08mm (avg)
Treatment: None
Origin: Mahenge Region

Exclusivity and Value of Mahenge Garnet

Mahenge Garnet was discovered a number of years after the amazing discovery of Spinel in Mahenge - you will often here the term Mahenge Spinel for exceptionally colored Spinel, just as you now hear the term Mahenge Garnet.  Mahenge is a town in the Mahenge Mountains of Tanzania. It is the headquarters of Ulanga District in Morogoro Region. The Spinel deposit occurred in 2007 and in about 2015, the area began to produce beautiful Garnet also - usually clean, dispersive, bright colors in pinks, magentas, purples and some oranges as well as true Padparadscha colors. The range of colors was wide as well as unique at times. The pricing on this material has always been high, especially for larger pieces say over 3cts and of nice color. An example of Mahenge Rough that would cut 15 ct of finished gem (roughly) was sold almost instantly for $15,000 USD.  Obviously, not every Garnet or gemstone from Mahenge should be highly priced, but for those exceptionally colored ones, especially of size, expect to see exceeding high prices.

The stone is usually available through exclusive channels (Think Hermes / Birkin/Kelly as a fashion parable).  This gemstone is exclusive and for collectors that know the difference versus the average consumer. Then again, most consumers do not realize that Garnet is just not red, but comes in orange, green, yellow and even color changing Garnets exist. Though there are blue to purple color change or color shifting Garnets, there hasn't been one that just shows a nice pure blue...but mark our words, the Garnet Group is VERY diverse and it is only a matter of time!

More On Appraisal Certificates

Appraisal Certificates are done from accredited appraisers and represent the retail insurance replacement value for an item.  While many companies do appraisals (such as jewelry stores), it is important to receive an appraisal by a group that does not involve themselves in the buying or selling of Gems or jewelry pieces as to avoid any conflict of interest.  We typically use AGL or GS Labs (Gemscan), accredited appraisal companies (with Global Offices) for the Jewelry industry, located in downtown Toronto.  We also have a number of Certificates from EGL a global appraisal company to the gem industry whose Toronto offices have since closed down.

An appraisal will assign a monetary value to a Gem or piece of jewelry and is ultimately subjective based on the appraiser's criteria for grading and experience.  For this reason, only accredited and experienced appraisers are used to evaluate stones.  An appraisal is not an indication of your buying power, that depends on your ability to "wheel and deal" as well as your source of supply and ability to buy in parcel lots or in bulk.

GS allows you to check Appraisal cert numbers online.

Appraisal Company Links:

Gemscan (GS Labs) - http://www.gslaboratories.com/profile.html

AGL - http://www.accurategemlabs.com/