1.26 ct. Japanese Iridescent Garnet Pair - The Gem Trader Rare Gems

1.26 ct. TW Japanese Iridescent Garnet Matched Pair


  • Color: Dark Brown / Iridescence

  • Clarity: Semi-Translucent

  • Origin: Kose Mine, Tenkawa, Nara Prefecture, Japan

  • Cut: Oval - Checkerboard Top

  • Treatments: None

  • Measurements: 5.3 x 4.3 mm

These are one of the most distinctive of all Garnets and it is one of the few times we have been able to offer a pair.  From a well known (and now completely off-limits) Japanese locality,  the iridescence is caused by the twinning of the garnet crystal and is close to the surface only - too deep a polish will remove it entirely.  Anything symmetrical from this locale is scarce - these are often left as freeforms to lessen the likelihood of polishing away the iridescence.  A beautiful set with a lovely show of of color and superior luster; remarkably, there is even some translucency to the garnet's bodycolor.  One of the few examples of stones from this find that could easily be incorporated into jewelry.

$140 / carat - $176 total