Mahenge Garnets. Opinions?

[Tsavomn]

Ha, I knew something was up with the garnet listing. Nothing gets passed me lol.

Here is the current listing:




Here is a screenshot of this listing for the same stone that I took in late 2021. I've been on a long term hunt for a purple garnet so I save everything I see. If anyone is seriously interested in this stone, definitely negotiate down! Of course, I am not 'mad' at the seller or trying to bring them down - they could ask for a million dollars since after all it is their stone. Maybe they will argue their new price is justified because they could not get another like it. I have no issue with that.
I am however prioritizing the interests of a potential buyer who might come across this and find the information useful.




The lower price in the screenshot is backed up by the internet archive.

Mozambique Electric Purple Garnet 4.70 cts

Hey Loungers, By now I am convinced that you have heard of our immense love for the garnet family. We've been featuring quite a few purple grape garnets in these pages over the last two to three years and, few times have we been as wowed as we have been with this particular gem! The vibrant...

web.archive.org

Wow! $3700 more. That's great to know. Been unsold for almost 4 yrs.

 

[PrecisionGem]

Just because a stone has a much higher price on these sites mentioned above does not make them better stones that a person could find for much cheaper on IG, FB, even ESTY and e bay. But people do think that the higher the price the better the stone sometimes. Fact is, these people are paying for the seller's name, not the stone.

There is often a perception that a higher price means it's a better product. My wife has for 20 years been telling me to charge more, and I would sell more. Maybe she has been right all along.

 

[ShinyPink]

I have a ridiculous number of garnets. My favorite Mahenge ones have come from Gene and Jeff. When I've set Gene's, the vendors commented on how exceptional the cutting and color were. I also have a lovely one from CvB.

Here are two of Gene's:





And the CvB:

 

[fredflintstone]

There is often a perception that a higher price means it's a better product. My wife has for 20 years been telling me to charge more, and I would sell more. Maybe she has been right all along.

Well, Gene, sometimes with some people that is very true.

 

[toomuchB]

There is often a perception that a higher price means it's a better product. My wife has for 20 years been telling me to charge more, and I would sell more. Maybe she has been right all along.

So I'm not a business expert, just rambling.
I think this perception generally exists. But I think it's not simply a case of increasing pricing but part a overall vibe/marketing/mindset strategy as well.
A dealer like Yavorskyy has many really exceptional stones, but they seem to never/rarely sell, but this perception of exceptionality trickles down to all his material. Having a crazy 20ct Tsavorite listed makes the 2cts appear like they belong in same caliber, especially when similar wording is used to describe them.

Or Asialounges, they keep those sold gorgeous 10+k purple garnets listed so the 2-5cts get that 'contagious' value/desirability.

Isn't there a salesperson tactic to first show the buyer something you know they can't afford, then something that is just in their budget/slightly above?
Similar idea.
Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Rfisher]

We just need an unbiased person to buy one ‘overpriced name brand’ large mahenge garnet and one with similar color and size and cutting that’s ‘reasonably priced’ from Etsy or IG and compare them.
simple!
See if the color saturation, hue, retention, performance, whatever it is that makes a gem, gemmy or trade ideal or top of the line rare - worth the asking price, over the cheaper ones that may not be. Can’t tell via pictures.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

We just need an unbiased person to buy one ‘overpriced name brand’ large mahenge garnet and one with similar color and size and cutting that’s ‘reasonably priced’ from Etsy or IG and compare them.
simple!

Haha not buying this one but look at the price

The "Sun Shard" Mandarin Garnet 6.51 cts

Hey Loungers, Fourth and last entry of this Mandarin garnet collection, this gem is possibly our favorite. Albeit clear clarity issues, the velvety appearance and rich orange hue turned this gemstone into a one of a kind! Contact us to see her "burning" under the sun light and understand why...

www.asialounges.com

Mine is 8+ carats and I paid less than 1/6th of that price. However I am the queen of settling and who knows, maybe the $9000 garnet is the most epic garnet ever!

 

[toomuchB]

We just need an unbiased person to buy one ‘overpriced name brand’ large mahenge garnet and one with similar color and size and cutting that’s ‘reasonably priced’ from Etsy or IG and compare them.
simple!
See if the color saturation, hue, retention, performance, whatever it is that makes a gem, gemmy or trade ideal or top of the line rare - worth the asking price, over the cheaper ones that may not be. Can’t tell via pictures.

Hm, if we do this I will start my own business claiming even BETTER material, better than the current best, watch out