7.8ct, 11.9x9.77mm (depth of 7.2mm). Eyeclean untreated. Chris says he sees no secondary color or brown shift. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
I would look at it in person and utilize the 7 day return period if necessary. Unfortunately, I see a lot of orange and brown, but am willing to give Chris the benefit of the doubt.
LoupeTroop and Facebook.If you don't mind me asking how does Chris sell these days? His etsy store looks empty?
LoupeTroop and Facebook.
Red almandine/pyrope garnet almost always has some brown in it, as does non mandarin variety of spessartite. You're not going to get a typical ruby red color in these species of red garnet, which this gem is probably in the family of, therefore I would base it on its merits next to other red garnets. I would check it in different lighting and make sure it doesn't go overly black, as they tend to do in daylight. From the photos, it looks like a pretty orangey red garnet with typical brownish modifier. The nice thing about it is that many red spinels or red zircon look similar, but are usually much more pricey. It also looks cut well. I bet it has nice sparkle too. Good luck.
I think it looks great! But the real question is whether you like it, i.e. is it too dark or too brown for your own personal taste. If you do decide to keep it I'd recommend an open setting to let lots of light in in yellow or maybe rose gold. I think a bezel would darken it a lot.
I like red garnets in vintage looking jewelry like ornate crosses or other similar styles. As for liking it, I like the size and the cutting, but it is the color of a typical red garnet, which appeals to some but not others. Therefore, the question is do YOU like the color and was it priced well enough for you to keep?
Personally I like it - but I like garnets of almost all colors. The cut looks beautiful and it is certainly very large. It doesn't look too dark for a red garnet or too brown. I agree with TL that I like red garnets in vintage looking styles - like this I see in yellow gold with engraving.
It doesn't matter if it's not a desirable stone. What matters is if YOU like it. Likewise, there are stones that are highly desirable to the trade and others, that personally make me go ????? I'm not naming those stones as to not offend anyone, lol.