HOW TO CHOOSE

Rhodolite is a reddish gemstone with abundant beauty. People familiar with rhodolite develop a taste for purplish red colors, because purple is a requirement for gem-quality rhodolite. A gem-quality rhodolite of 3 to 5 carats can be purchased for a relatively reasonable price. A standard price for a 5-carat gem-quality rhodolite would be about $2,000, but a ruby of 5 carats could not be purchased even for $10,000. Considering this, it can be said that the $2,000 for the rhodolite is a bargain. However, rhodolites of accessory quality cannot be recommended because they lack the beautiful purplish hue.

The value of a three-carat-size rhodolite of jewelry quality is approximately US $250 for the stone alone (2004).