Stone Guide
Demantoid Garnet
Origin: Russia (Ural Mountains), Namibia
What Makes It Special
Demantoid is the absolute rarest and most highly prized of all the garnets. Its name means 'diamond-like,' and for good reason—it actually posesses a higher dispersion, or 'fire,' than a diamond. What collectors really hunt for is the classic Russian material from the Ural Mountains, which often features distinctive 'horsetail' inclusions. In the quirky world of estate jewelry, this is one of the few stones where an inclusion is actually a badge of honor that increases value.
Required Documentation
We see a lot of phenomenal demantoid in Victorian and Edwardian jewelry, and these pieces obviously predate modern certification. GIA and AGL reports are superb for confirming species and origin (Russian vs. Namibian) on significant standalone stones, but don't pass on a gorgeous antique piece just because it lacks modern paperwork.
Price Guide 2026
⚠️ Demantoids are not typically treated, but origin plays the biggest role in pricing, with Russian stones carrying a significant premium over Namibian.
Notable Auction Records
Significant Antique Demantoid Brooch
Typical high-end estate auction
Variable
Premium/ct
Dealer's Notes
Look for the fire—a great demantoid should have flashes of spectral colors dancing through the green.
Don't be scared of inclusions. If you're buying Russian demantoid, you actually want to see those golden, wispy horsetail fibers under a loupe.
Expect to pay $5,000 to $30,000 per carat for exceptional Russian stones with documented origins.
Namibian demantoid is a beautiful and slightly more accessible entry point, generally running $2,000 to $10,000 per carat.
If you love antique jewelry, keep an eye out for late 19th-century pieces; demantoid was a darling of the Edwardian and Victorian eras.
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