The short answer: demantoid is a rare green garnet with a fire that can rival a diamond, and other garnets come in red, orange, green and pink shades, so the garnet family offers distinctive colour at friendly prices. Demantoid is softer than sapphire, so choose a protective setting.
Most people think of garnet as deep red. The family is far wider, and a few members make remarkable engagement stones.
Demantoid
Demantoid is a green garnet prized for its high brilliance and fire, the rainbow flashes of light in the stone. Fine stones can show a vivid, grassy to emerald green. Some contain fine fibre like inclusions known as horsetails, which collectors value as a sign of certain origins. Availability varies and larger clean stones are scarce, so ask us what we can find.
Other garnets worth knowing
| Type | Colour |
|---|---|
| Tsavorite | Vivid green |
| Spessartite | Orange to bright orange |
| Rhodolite | Raspberry pink to purple red |
| Pyrope | Deep red |
| Malaya | Peachy orange pink |
Durability
Garnets are generally suitable for rings with sensible care, though demantoid is softer and can scratch or chip if knocked. A bezel or halo setting protects it. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with inclusions.
Why garnet is good value
Garnet is widely available, so many types cost far less than sapphire or emerald of similar size. That makes it possible to choose a larger stone or a more unusual colour for the same budget. Rare types, such as demantoid, are the exception, and fine ones can be costly.
Understanding fire and brilliance
Fire is the rainbow colour a stone flashes as it moves, and brilliance is the white light it returns. Demantoid has unusually strong fire for a coloured stone, which is why it is so admired, but the green body colour can mute the flashes in poor lighting. Look at the stone in daylight, under a bright lamp and in a dim room, because it can change character. We show stones on video in different light so you can judge before you commit.
Choosing between garnet types
If you want a green stone, compare demantoid with tsavorite, which is usually cleaner and easier to find in larger sizes. If you prefer warm tones, spessartite and malaya sit between orange and pink. For a romantic raspberry shade, rhodolite is a favourite, and for a classic dark red, pyrope is traditional. Many people are surprised by how different these stones look from the garnets of vintage jewellery.
Settings
- Yellow gold flatters green demantoid and orange spessartite.
- Rose gold suits rhodolite and malaya.
- A diamond halo adds sparkle around a coloured centre.
Caring for a garnet ring
Clean a garnet ring with warm water, a drop of mild washing up liquid and a soft brush, then rinse and pat it dry. Keep it away from sudden changes in temperature, such as a hot tap straight after cold weather, because some stones dislike thermal shock. Take it off for the gym, gardening and heavy cleaning, and store it apart from diamond jewellery, which can scratch it. Ask us to check the setting now and then, especially if you wear the ring every day.
How to choose
- Decide which colour you love.
- Check clarity and cut for brilliance.
- Ask for a report if the stone is high value.
- Choose a setting suited to daily wear.
See tsavorite and spinel colours for related colourful stones, and browse lab grown fancy colour diamonds if you would like a coloured stone with diamond hardness. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Is demantoid good for a ring? Yes, with a protective setting.
Is it expensive? Fine demantoid can be costly because it is rare.
Is it a diamond alternative? Its fire is high, but its colour is its main appeal.
Which garnet is best for daily wear? Most red and orange types are practical with a sensible setting.
Can a garnet go in an ultrasonic cleaner? We suggest gentle hand cleaning instead, particularly for demantoid and included stones.