Lapidary_Journal_Jewelry_Artist_-_November_-_December_2019

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 21

How much does it cost?
Faceted stones can run from $40 to $200 a carat, faceting
rough may run $10 to $15 a carat. Beads in varying shapes,
$5 to $15 per 16" strand. Beads are the exception to the no-
treatment rule. Some online are advertised as dyed.

How hard is it to fi nd?
Easy. This is a very popular stone. You’ll fi nd it online and at
gem shows everywhere.

What kind of jewelry can I put this in?
Darn near everything. Garnets will resist wear and tear for
years. They make a great birthstone, engagement stone, or a
reward you give yourself to wear every day.

How easy is it to set?
Most stones should be easy with good prong or bezel setting
skills. Custom cut stones may take more abilities.

What settings are best?
Prongs are common as they let in the most light, but an inter-
rupted bezel is also a good choice. A full bezel may not show
darker stones to best advantage.

Artisan/studio dos and don’ts:
Use normal care in the shop. If a stone has inclusions, don’t
steam or sonic. If the stones are dyed, as some online sites
mention, do not sonic or steam them, as dying may hide
imperfections that could shatter the stones, and the dye may
be aff ected.

Wearer dos and don’ts:
These are stones you can wear and enjoy without worry.

What cutters/designers think:
Vermont-based jewelry designer Jacob Albee, who often
works with garnets, has this to say: “Garnet has such a range
to off er in terms of color saturation, performance, and variety.
We were also lucky to have a good relationship with David
Brackna over the years, who had an affi nity for garnets and
cut some beautiful rhodolite.”

SHARON ELAINE THOMPSON Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist since 1987 and blogs frequently at http://www.interweave.com/jewelry. is a freelance writer based in Oregon. She has written for
Learn more at jewelryartdiva.com.

Just the Facts

Garnets will resist

wear and tear for

years. They make

a great birthstone,

engagement stone,

or a reward you

give yourself to

wear every

day.

Shades of

Purple

SAGENITE INTARSIA PENDANT

(project)

LAPIDARY JOURNAL JEWELRY

ARTIST, APRIL 2011

http://www.interweave.com/jewelry

Garnetswillres

ad a a ty o ga ets a

Shades

urpl