Garnet is known for its deep red coloring, which influenced its name. The word “garnet” comes from the 13th century Middle English word gernet, meaning “dark red.” The word is derived from Latin granatum, which means “pomegranate” and “grain” or “seed” and is called so because of the gemstone’s resemblance to the red seeds of the pomegranate.
Remnants of garnet jewelry have been found dating as far back as the Bronze Age. Other references go back to 3100 BC when the Egyptians used garnet as inlays in their jewelry and carvings. The Egyptians even referred to it as the symbol of life. Garnet gemstones were very popular with the Romans in the third and fourth centuries.
This gemstone was used as a talisman for protection both by warriors going into battle and those who wanted to ward off pestilence and plague. Some ancient healers and wise men even placed garnets in wounds and praised its healing powers.
Garnet jewelry has been a fixture throughout the ages. Garnet gems were often used as signet rings in ancient Rome, and the nobility favored garnets in the Middle Ages.
Bohemian garnets were very popular during the Victorian era, and Russian demantoid garnets were, as well. Some of the loveliest garnet gemstone jewelry from that era mimics its pomegranate namesake with clusters of tiny red gems forming a larger statement piece.
Today, the garnet can be found in a range of jewelry pieces and styles, from beautiful rings to stunning tiaras. Since garnet gemstones can come in a range of colors, rare garnets in green or blue make breathtaking pieces, especially in pendants or drop earrings.
January’s birthstone is commonly red, but it can also be found in a range of colors. Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that come in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red of the pyrope garnet to the vibrant green of tsavorites to violet, brown, and black. Some rare garnets are even blue, colorless, or—most rare of all—change colors in different lights. But the most common garnet color is a beautiful range of reds, ranging from light rust colored to deep violet-red.
The garnet’s toughness is fair to good, and it’s hardness ranges from 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the type of garnet. It is found all over the world, including the United States, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and India. Tsavorite garnets, named for Tsavo National Park in Kenya, are the most rare, as they require special conditions and unusual rock chemistry to form.
Garnet gemstones are a great way to celebrate a friendship, toast a second wedding anniversary or recognize the wearer’s January birthday. They are the perfect purchase for yourself or as a stunning gift for someone special.
The first step in buying garnet jewelry is to visit an American Gem Society jeweler who can assist you in purchasing a garnet gemstone that’s right for you. Look at how the garnet reacts under both natural and synthetic lighting and check for intense, saturated color.
As garnets are available in colors other than the common spectrum of reds, the price of the piece will likely increase for more rare colors, such as green or blue.
Garnets can also be judged along some of the same parameters as diamonds, with clarity and cut affecting the beauty and value of the gemstone.
It should be noted that some garnets have inclusions that are part of the beauty of the overall gemstone. Examples include “horsetails” in demantoid garnets and hessonite garnets which sometimes have a “turbulent” look. You may discover that you enjoy the unique look these inclusions bring to the piece.
Try to find a cut that spreads light evenly over the surface of the gemstone. This will help to bring out the overall beauty and color of the garnet.
No matter which gemstone or piece you choose, remember that the garnet is a classic gemstone known for its history and richness of color. Your new garnet has a great story that can be added over time.
