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Natural Almandine Garnet - 12.04ct Oval (IGE Certified)

Large oval-cut purple-red almandine garnet in a sealed gem pouch next to its IGE laboratory certification report. - view 1
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Estimated value

$150 - $350

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Gemstones

Brand

Instituto Gemológico Español

Era

2025 (Date of Certification)

Origin

🌍 International

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
13

NATURAL ALMANDINE GARNET - 12.04CT OVAL (IGE CERTIFIED): IDENTIFICATION

This 12.04 carat natural almandine garnet is presented in a vacuum-sealed laboratory pouch with a matching report from the Instituto Gemológico Español. The specimen measures 17.98 x 13.23 x 5.69 mm and exhibits a deep pinkish-purple hue. The oval cut displays standard symmetrical faceting, though the depth ratio is relatively shallow for a stone of this carat weight, likely to preserve the transparency of the dense crystal structure.

Compare with other gemstones in the archive: Natural Diamond - 0.45ct Round Brilliant (GWLAB Certified), 0.50 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond (AIG D2410518829), Natural Tanzanite - 4.51ct Pear Cut (IGE Certified).

GEOLOGICAL ORIGIN

Almandine is the most common species of the garnet group, characterized by its iron-aluminum silicate composition and isometric crystal system. Historically, deep red garnets like this have been utilized in jewelry since the Egyptian Middle Kingdom, circa 2000 BCE, and were particularly prominent ...
Almandine is the most common species of the garnet group, characterized by its iron-aluminum silicate composition and isometric crystal system. Historically, deep red garnets like this have been utilized in jewelry since the Egyptian Middle Kingdom, circa 2000 BCE, and were particularly prominent in Merovingian and Anglo-Saxon cloisonné work between the 5th and 8th centuries CE. This specific report was issued on February 27, 2025.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 6 gemstones items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Stone is sealed in a tamper-evident IGE laboratory pouch
  • Report number D-52873 matches the pouch label and includes a verifiable QR code
How does authenticity detection work?

GEMOLOGIST'S TAKE

Gemologist & Mineral Specialist

Gemologist

High confidence is assigned due to the presence of a verifiable laboratory report from a known European gemological institute (IGE) and matching identification numbers on the sealed product.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1IGE Laboratory Report D-52873 provides definitive identification
  • 2Verified weight of 12.04 ct and dimensions 17.98 x 13.23 x 5.69 mm
  • 3Color grade 'pinkish purple' is consistent with high-iron almandine specimens
  • 4Sealed 'IGE SEAL' pouch ensures the stone matches the documentation

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The stone appears very dark (extinct) in some lighting conditions, common for high-iron almandine.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Scan the QR code on the IGE report to verify the digital database entry
  • →Examine the stone under localized fiber-optic lighting to view internal inclusions

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The stone is currently sealed and protected in laboratory packaging. The IGE report indicates no treatments or enhancements were detected at the time of examination.

Weight & feel

At 12.04 carats (approximately 2.41 grams), the stone has a significant footprint but a shallow depth of 5.69 mm.

GEMSTONE VALUATION

$150 - $350

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of individual gemstone species and jewelry designers looking for large center-stones of modest value.

What increases value

  • •Significant carat weight (over 10 cts)
  • •Laboratory certification confirming no treatments
  • •Symmetrical oval cut

What lowers value

  • •High extinction (darkness) reduces brilliance and desirability in jewelry
  • •Shallow cut relative to width may cause 'windowing' or lack of light return

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Vivid 'Pigeon Blood' red hue without brown undertones
  • •High transparency and eye-clean clarity

Grade & condition

Color saturation, clarity (inclusions), and cut proportions are the primary value factors for almandine.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar gemstones objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

The Collector

The Collector
Relic Hunter•117 items

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