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Mahenge Garnets. Opinions?

Tanzanite would be pretty hard to unload in the future without a loss especially if many middle men were involved in the price you paid. There is so much of the material out there in that perfect/near perfect blue color.

The color ranges you are looking at for garnet can be gorgeous and more unique. Hoping Jeff's stones are a good second option.
Oh, FYI while Africagems usually has the 15% discount (I think you mentioned being aware of this) they also do 25% off during bigger sales like Black Friday. So might be worth waiting a couple months should you choose to go with them (and hope it doesn't sell in the meantime)
But, I have returned/sold every garnet I have tried, I just have the worst luck/unrealistic expectations with them, so I shall leave the analysis to others.



I don't speak for the OP, this is just my understanding: I think OP is looking for a large stone (10+ct) and maybe with a premium feature like cut or some kind of uniqueness. The sellers brought up above like Moregems, Gene do not cut such large garnets - or at least I've never seen it. She is open to Jeff White who is charging fair 250-350/ct for the cut stones, who does have large material.

Do you have any suggestions that fit the bill? Not sure if you are allowed to give any as a former tradesperson - but if yes, it could help the OP see what you mean. Otherwise it comes off as if you say there are better options, but offer no concrete alternative.

To me your point on actual value/reselling is well taken.

No animosity intended of course, hate ruffling feathers and if I did so, sorry=)2

Tanzanite would be pretty hard to unload in the future without a loss especially if many middle men were involved in the price you paid. There is so much of the material out there in that perfect/near perfect blue color.

The color ranges you are looking at for garnet can be gorgeous and more unique. Hoping Jeff's stones are a good second option.
Oh, FYI while Africagems usually has the 15% discount (I think you mentioned being aware of this) they also do 25% off during bigger sales like Black Friday. So might be worth waiting a couple months should you choose to go with them (and hope it doesn't sell in the meantime)
But, I have returned/sold every garnet I have tried, I just have the worst luck/unrealistic expectations with them, so I shall leave the analysis to others.



I don't speak for the OP, this is just my understanding: I think OP is looking for a large stone (10+ct) and maybe with a premium feature like cut or some kind of uniqueness. The sellers brought up above like Moregems, Gene do not cut such large garnets - or at least I've never seen it. She is open to Jeff White who is charging fair 250-350/ct for the cut stones, who does have large material.

Do you have any suggestions that fit the bill? Not sure if you are allowed to give any as a former tradesperson - but if yes, it could help the OP see what you mean. Otherwise it comes off as if you say there are better options, but offer no concrete alternative.

To me your point on actual value/reselling is well taken.

No animosity intended of course, hate ruffling feathers and if I did so, sorry=)2

Tanzanite would be pretty hard to unload in the future without a loss especially if many middle men were involved in the price you paid. There is so much of the material out there in that perfect/near perfect blue color.

The color ranges you are looking at for garnet can be gorgeous and more unique. Hoping Jeff's stones are a good second option.
Oh, FYI while Africagems usually has the 15% discount (I think you mentioned being aware of this) they also do 25% off during bigger sales like Black Friday. So might be worth waiting a couple months should you choose to go with them (and hope it doesn't sell in the meantime)
But, I have returned/sold every garnet I have tried, I just have the worst luck/unrealistic expectations with them, so I shall leave the analysis to others.



I don't speak for the OP, this is just my understanding: I think OP is looking for a large stone (10+ct) and maybe with a premium feature like cut or some kind of uniqueness. The sellers brought up above like Moregems, Gene do not cut such large garnets - or at least I've never seen it. She is open to Jeff White who is charging fair 250-350/ct for the cut stones, who does have large material.

Do you have any suggestions that fit the bill? Not sure if you are allowed to give any as a former tradesperson - but if yes, it could help the OP see what you mean. Otherwise it comes off as if you say there are better options, but offer no concrete alternative.

To me your point on actual value/reselling is well taken.

No animosity intended of course, hate ruffling feathers and if I did so, sorry=)2

Hello. Thanks. For me to be more clear. And the latest. I have my eye on that large Mahenge Garnet in the videos. I like the size alot. And the color. And from what i have heard here too. It looks promising. I was told by someone here too. They see no window. Which i asked about. That's a big relief. Being it's large at 11.44 cts. Got a feeling it will darken or look brownish in low light conditions. I can't tell in the pictures or videos. But if that's true. From what gather. Large ones usually shift more so. Also, i don't expect this stone to be precision cut. And that's ok. As long as it's cut very well. And was told it is. Still not sure yet if i want to buy it.
True about the 15% off now. :) 25% would be nice. But like you said. But could sell by then.

Moregems one is very nice too. But i like the larger size of Africa Gems one.

I also want a stone. That's i don't have to worry about the cut. Jeff White does have good garnet material he says. So i am working with him. Should hear back from him soon. A great guy. It will not be as large as the other stone. That's fine.

So i can end up with both stones. Or just Jeff's. :) Would like both.
 
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Hello. Thanks. For me to be more clear. And the latest. I have my eye on that large Mahenge Garnet in the videos. I like the size alot. And the color. And from what i have heard here too. It looks promising. I was told by someone here too. They see no window. Which i asked about. That's a big relief. Being it's large at 11.44 cts. Got a feeling it will darken or look brownish in low light conditions. I can't tell in the pictures or videos. But if that's true. From what gather. Large ones usually shift more so. Also, i don't expect this stone to be precision cut. And that's ok. As long as it's cut very well. And was told it is. Still not sure yet if i want to buy it.
True about the 15% off now. :) 25% would be nice. But like you said. But could sell by then.

Moregems one is very nice too. But i like the larger size of Africa Gems one.

I also want a stone. That's i don't have to worry about the cut. Jeff White does have good garnet material he says. So i am working with him. Should hear back from him soon. A great guy. It will not be as large as the other stone. That's fine.

So i can end up with both stones. Or just Jeff's. :) Would like both.

There is definitely no window in the Africagems one in my opinion as well. It is well cut.
From my limited dealings with Marc he will be honest about how the color shifts. I assume you asked him about this/browning/darkening due to size - but just in case you haven't I suggest it. It is also less work for him to just tell you than try accurately video it. If it is worse than expected you could simply return it.

I'm the kind of person where if I want a certain stone e.g. pink garnet, I'll get the single largest/best one I can! But ending up with two would be fab as well. Personal preference and all. They are quite different colors.
 
There is definitely no window in the Africagems one in my opinion as well. It is well cut.
From my limited dealings with Marc he will be honest about how the color shifts. I assume you asked him about this/browning/darkening due to size - but just in case you haven't I suggest it. It is also less work for him to just tell you than try accurately video it. If it is worse than expected you could simply return it.

I'm the kind of person where if I want a certain stone e.g. pink garnet, I'll get the single largest/best one I can! But ending up with two would be fab as well. Personal preference and all. They are quite different colors.

I forgot to mention. I did email Marc about the color shift. Thanks. Got a feeling he's going to say. It does shift like most do. But not alot. If so, than i better get it.

Jeff White is a done deal.
 
Hello Fredflintstone. I rewrote this again. I am well aware of the links to other stones mentioned. And i appreciate it. But, i have been making references to some stones i had my eyes on. Even mentioned i contacted Jeff White. Plus videos of a stone i was interested in. And as you probably already noticed. Had issues with posting the videos. I also have said this before here too. Thanks. But i prefer to go more high end. That's responding to links of stones at a fraction of the price. And by saying, Thanks. It was meant politely.

I understand what your saying. That's it's all about what you paid for, etc, etc. Your right. As far as Tanzanite. I read that in a few articles. Is why i mentioned it. Agree or not agree. Is up to the individual. I did not mean to offend if i did. Will leave it at that. Thanks for wishing me good luck. I appreciate it. I am very close to deciding on the big garnet.
 
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Came across these garnets and thought of you, not really a premium seller but still felt like sharing. They look nicer in the more realistic shots and videos (press the arrow on the images to scroll though)


 
Came across these garnets and thought of you, not really a premium seller but still felt like sharing. They look nicer in the more realistic shots and videos (press the arrow on the images to scroll though)



Hi! Thanks for sharing. They do look nice. They have a large 13.97ct one too. You mentioned there not really a premium seller. May i ask why? They seem quite transparent in their descriptions, etc, etc.

I like Marc's because his is a Mahenge. And i have a Mahenge Spinel. And a Mahenge Garnet would be nice to go with it. Having two different Mahenge's.
 
Hi! Thanks for sharing. They do look nice. They have a large 13.97ct one too. You mentioned there not really a premium seller. May i ask why? They seem quite transparent in their descriptions, etc, etc.

I like Marc's because his is a Mahenge. And i have a Mahenge Spinel. And a Mahenge Garnet would be nice to go with it. Having two different Mahenge's.

First, the stones are listed as Tanzanian origin, and Mahenge is in Tanzania - they are quite likely Mahenge garnets. I would recommend you ask them. They also offer a long list of reputable report services which might confirm Mahenge and not just Tanzania (not sure which, if any do off the top of my head). Ive spoken to them before and they are very friendly sellers.

regarding : "You mentioned there not really a premium seller. May i ask why? They seem quite transparent in their descriptions, etc, etc."

I suppose its about how we define premium. They are a trustworthy seller. But they are not a fancy seller with flowery language, $$ on marketing, etc. Contrast with Asia Lounges for example.
They also sell cheapie/lower quality goods as well as high end. But they are a solid seller I would buy from and several PSers have bought from them. Being Thailand-based they have better pricing than most western sellers.

I was under the impression that 'premium' to you meant more about the experience, customer service, the bells and whistles etc, and not just legitimacy and quality. To me, sellers like Starlanka are 'premium' I guess, I just don't categorize vendors this way. Maybe that was the confusion.

If their stones interest you I would def ask for a photo of the ones that interest you next to one another :)
 
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Tanzanite would be pretty hard to unload in the future without a loss especially if many middle men were involved in the price you paid. There is so much of the material out there in that perfect/near perfect blue color.

The color ranges you are looking at for garnet can be gorgeous and more unique. Hoping Jeff's stones are a good second option.
Oh, FYI while Africagems usually has the 15% discount (I think you mentioned being aware of this) they also do 25% off during bigger sales like Black Friday. So might be worth waiting a couple months should you choose to go with them (and hope it doesn't sell in the meantime)
But, I have returned/sold every garnet I have tried, I just have the worst luck/unrealistic expectations with them, so I shall leave the analysis to others.



I don't speak for the OP, this is just my understanding: I think OP is looking for a large stone (10+ct) and maybe with a premium feature like cut or some kind of uniqueness. The sellers brought up above like Moregems, Gene do not cut such large garnets - or at least I've never seen it. She is open to Jeff White who is charging fair 250-350/ct for the cut stones, who does have large material.

Do you have any suggestions that fit the bill? Not sure if you are allowed to give any as a former tradesperson - but if yes, it could help the OP see what you mean. Otherwise it comes off as if you say there are better options, but offer no concrete alternative.

To me your point on actual value/reselling is well taken.

No animosity intended of course, hate ruffling feathers and if I did so, sorry=)2

No feathers ruffled. I think you and I agree on a lot of these issues. :)

I'm not really here to post other vendors stones up. I'm more here to help answer some questions. I think the stones that RFisher posted up are a very viable alternative to what the OP was looking for. Their quality was just as good and their price cheaper. Their names are not as well-known as African Gems or even maybe Moregems, but the quality and value is there. But that was before the OP stated she is looking for a 10 plus carat stone. The Op started out a small as 3 carats and I wish her good luck in what she wants. Afterall, it is her happiness that counts in the end.

:)
 
No offense taken, Tsavomn .

It is all about whatever makes you happy.

I was just pointing out because a stone is from a well-known dealer and priced much higher does not make it as you wrote, " But i prefer to go more high end."

Price and a vendor's popularity is not a reliable indicator of the quality of a gemstone as compared to a gemstone from a less well-known vendor. It is the stone itself that should sell the stone, not the name of the vendor, the price, or even the trade name of the stone.

I just like to see people not overpay for stones, but again, it is what makes you happy and that is all that counts. :)
 
No feathers ruffled. I think you and I agree on a lot of these issues. :)

I'm not really here to post other vendors stones up. I'm more here to help answer some questions. I think the stones that RFisher posted up are a very viable alternative to what the OP was looking for. Their quality was just as good and their price cheaper. Their names are not as well-known as African Gems or even maybe Moregems, but the quality and value is there. But that was before the OP stated she is looking for a 10 plus carat stone. The Op started out a small as 3 carats and I wish her good luck in what she wants. Afterall, it is her happiness that counts in the end.

:)

No offense taken, Tsavomn .

It is all about whatever makes you happy.

I was just pointing out because a stone is from a well-known dealer and priced much higher does not make it as you wrote, " But i prefer to go more high end."

Price and a vendor's popularity is not a reliable indicator of the quality of a gemstone as compared to a gemstone from a less well-known vendor. It is the stone itself that should sell the stone, not the name of the vendor, the price, or even the trade name of the stone.

I just like to see people not overpay for stones, but again, it is what makes you happy and that is all that counts. :)

Hi Fred! Thanks very much. I understand. I really appreciate your advice. And everyone else's too. Super great forum. Sorry if i ruffled any feathers along the way. I am bit of a newbie. And even though i have bought some stones before. That was many years ago. Got into few different hobbies after that. And just recently got the itch for some stones. I am knowing more now. Thanks to this forum. Than i did when i bought stones years ago. So have been out of the loupe for a long time. :lol:Pun intended.

I was interested in large Tanzanites in the beginning. But shifted over to large garnets. Especially a Mahenge. atggems came to mind right away. Besides color and clarity. And a large size. I wanted a great cut too. Was concerned about that. And so called precision cuts would be best then. But, i know Marc's, respectfully speaking, is not. But since i wanted a large mahenge. And the cut is very good. That's good enough for me. But, buying it is not definite yet.

I should be hearing from Jeff White very shortly. It's a go with him. The cut, and everything else will be great no doubt. Bought from him way back. His stone will not be as large as Marc's. But that's ok. It's a Rose Garnet from that find in Oct 2024.

I was hesitate to mention other vendors at first. And show pictures and videos. But saw that being done here. Is why i did it.

Oh, by the way all.:lol: I'm a guy.
 
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Oh, by the way all.:lol: I'm a guy.

Lol! This entire time I read your username as Tsavomom.

Do not worry, you didn't ruffle feathers, and it was a fun discussion. Please update us on the Jeff White stone process! :)
 
Lol! This entire time I read your username as Tsavomom. Hence female.

Do not worry, you didn't ruffle feathers, and everyone was very polite. Please update us on the Jeff White stone process! :)

Me too. I thought I was the only one hallucinating.

LOL!
 
LOL. I guess you can interpret it that way. I will keep you updated. I do know Jeff is kind of backlogged. He figures around 3 months till it's ready. But that's no problem.

Got a good feeling. I will be going with Marc's garnet too next week.
 
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