Garnets encompass one of the most diverse gemstone families, and pricing varies wildly — from $5/ct for common almandine to $10,000+/ct for fine demantoid or tsavorite. Understanding the different garnet species (pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, andradite, uvarovite) and their varieties is essential for accurate valuation. Some garnets are among the most undervalued gems on the market, while others compete with rubies and emeralds in price.
Garnet Price Chart
| Quality | Price/Carat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common almandine/pyrope | $5–$30 | Abundant, fashion jewelry |
| Rhodolite, fine raspberry | $20–$200 | Excellent value |
| Spessartine/Mandarin, vivid | $100–$1,000 | Fine jewelry grade |
| Tsavorite, vivid green, 1-3ct | $500–$5,000 | Premium collector |
| Demantoid, Russian, horsetail | $3,000–$10,000+ | Ultra-premium |
Tsavorite: The Green Garnet Premium
Tsavorite garnet (grossular variety) is the most valuable green garnet, rivaling emeralds in color. Discovered in 1967 near Tsavo National Park in Kenya, fine tsavorites show a vivid, saturated green colored by chromium and vanadium. Unlike emeralds, tsavorites are typically untreated, have superior clarity, and greater brilliance — yet cost significantly less per carat. Prices range from $200/ct for lighter stones to $5,000-$8,000/ct for vivid, clean stones over 3 carats. Tsavorites over 5 carats are genuinely rare and command premium prices.
Demantoid: The Collector's Garnet
Demantoid garnet (andradite variety) is prized for its exceptional fire — dispersion higher than diamond — and distinctive 'horsetail' inclusions (chrysotile fibers) that are actually considered a positive value factor in Russian stones. Russian demantoids from the Ural Mountains with visible horsetail inclusions command the highest prices ($3,000-$10,000+/ct for fine stones). Namibian demantoids offer good quality at more accessible prices ($500-$3,000/ct). GemstoneAI can help you identify horsetail inclusions and assess the green saturation that drives demantoid value.
- Russian (with horsetail): $3,000–$10,000+/ct — the ultimate collector's garnet
- Namibian: $500–$3,000/ct — excellent fire, good value
- Madagascar: $200–$1,500/ct — newer source, quality improving
- Italian/Iranian: $300–$2,000/ct — small production, niche market
Rhodolite, Spessartine, and Common Garnets
Rhodolite garnet (pyrope-almandine blend) offers beautiful raspberry to purplish-red tones at very accessible prices: $20-$200/ct for fine stones. It's one of the best value propositions in colored gemstones. Spessartine garnet ranges from orange to reddish-orange; the vivid 'Mandarin' variety from Nigeria and Mozambique commands $100-$1,000/ct. Malaia garnet (pyrope-spessartine) shows pinkish-orange tones at $50-$500/ct. Color-change garnets are rare and valued at $200-$2,000/ct depending on the strength and attractiveness of the change. Common almandine and pyrope garnets are abundant and affordable ($5-$30/ct).
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