Garnet
Introduction
Garnet is a group of minerals that share a common crystal structure but can vary in chemical composition. There are a multitude of garnets that occur naturally, but the most common type of garnet found in jewellery are red garnet, green garnet and orange garnet.
Garnets typically form in metamorphic rocks under high temperatures and pressures. They come in a variety of colours, including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, and even colourless, depending on their specific chemical makeup.
Garnet is the birthstone of January. The traditional gemstone gift for a second year anniversary gift is garnet; representing passion, love, commitment, and friendship.
Garnets have been used in jewellery for thousands of years. This antique brooch features garnets, citrines, & diamond.
An antique garnet & pearl brooch set, featuring reddish-purple garnets.
Varieties Of Garnet
Red Garnet
Red garnet exudes warmth and passion. There are a few varieties of garnet that have a red colouring, these are almandine, pyrope, or a mixture of the two. Red garnet has been cherished throughout history for its association with vitality, courage and love.
Rhodolite Garnet
Rhodolite garnet is known for its vibrant pink hue, and is considered the most desirable variety of garnet. The colour ranges from a deep purple to bright pink. First discovered in 1898 it has been popular ever since.
Green garnets come in two varieties, Demantoid & Tsavorite.
Green Garnet
Green garnet is celebrated for its rarity and vibrancy, embodying the beauty of nature's bounty. This variety includes demantoid and tsavorite garnets. Demantoid garnet is found in antique jewellery, hailing from the Ural mountains in Russia. Tsavorite garnet was discovered in 1967, and is the most expensive variety of garnet. Tsavorite stones are rarely found in sizes over 2cts, with the largest stone ever found weighing 7cts. Whether gracing elegant jewellery pieces or commanding attention as a standalone gemstone, green garnet captivates hearts with its exquisite colour and luminous charm.
Orange Garnet
Orange garnet enchants with its rich, orange hues and fiery brilliance. Varieties with orange colour hues include spessartine garnet and the rare mandarin garnet. Orange garnet is prized for its exceptional colour saturation and rarity. Orange garnet radiates warmth and joy, making it a cherished gemstone sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Wear & Care
Garnet in general is quite hard wearing. The stone has a 6.5-7.5 rating on the Mohs hardness scale and does not scratch very easily. Care should be taken if wearing garnet rings, as hard wear can chip the stones and hard blows can cause the stone to crack.
To clean garnets use a soft clean cloth and wipe it down, if more cleaning is needed use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Pat dry with a soft cloth.
If in doubt, please feel free to Contact Us, and our gem experts can advise you.
Garnet is relatively hard wearing, allowing it to be set in all kinds of jewellery.
History
The name "garnet" is believed to have originated from the Latin word "granatum," which means "pomegranate." This likely refers to the deep red color of some garnet varieties. The name was then adapted into various languages, including Old French "grenat" and Middle English "gernet," before eventually becoming "garnet" in modern English.
Garnets have been cherished by civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Mesopotamians. They were often used in jewellery, amulets, and decorative objects. Ancient Egyptians believed that garnets possessed protective properties and used them in burial rituals.
Garnets remained popular throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, where they were worn as symbols of love, friendship, and loyalty. They were also believed to possess healing properties and were used in medieval medicine.
Garnets experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era in the 19th century. They were frequently used in Victorian jewellery, particularly in mourning jewellery, where their deep red colour symbolised love and passion. In the 19th century, Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) became a significant source of high-quality garnets, known as Bohemian garnets. These garnets were highly prized for their deep red colour and were extensively used in jewellery during this period.
These earrings date to the Victorian times, and are made from ‘Bohemian’ garnets.
Metaphysical Beliefs
Garnet is often believed to have protective properties, shielding the wearer from negative energies, psychic attacks, and unwanted influences. It is thought to create a protective barrier around the aura, promoting feelings of safety and security.
Garnet is associated with vitality, energy, and passion. It is believed to boost physical vitality, stamina, and endurance, making it a popular stone for those seeking to overcome lethargy or fatigue. Garnet is also thought to stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body, promoting vitality and overall well-being.
