The History of Garnet Gemstones
The word "garnet" comes from the Latin "granatus," which roughly translates to "seed." It was given this name because the earliest found garnet gemstones reminded miners of pomegranate seeds.
Valued for its vibrant red brilliance, this treasured gemstone was coveted by both the early Greeks and Romans. Nobility of the great Roman empire crafted signet rings they used to seal valued documents and transcripts. They were especially popular among royalty in the Roman empire and spread throughout the Meditteranean to symbolize love and wealth. Archeologists have discovered ancient jewelry and talismans from the remains of Egyptian tombs.
During the reign of Queen Victoria, Bohemia (modern Czech Republic) was the main source of garnet mining. Garnets come from a variety of worldwide regions, some specializing in different types of garnet: demantoid from Namibia and the Russian Ural Mountains; green tsavorites from Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania; and red garnets from those and India, Brazil, Australia, Europe, South America, China, Pakistan and the United States.
A wonderful icon of garnet artisanship is the antique Pyrope ("fiery-eyed") Hair Comb from the Victorian Era. Crafted from rose-cut, deep-red pyrope garnets from the Bohemia mines (now the Czech Republic), this gorgeous piece was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1937 by Ales and Maria Herdlicka.
The Meaning of Garnet
Any deep-red cabochon gemstone was originally referred to as "carbuncles," with some said to shine with an internal light. Many sources say that Noah used a garnet lantern to guide his ark through the stormy nights at sea. It is now considered a symbol of good faith and given as a gift to wish safe travels. When someone wears the rock, they are said to be protected as the stone casts a fiery glow in the dark nights of winter to guide one safely to shore or through a difficult time in life.
The Hindi meaning of garnet has many traditions for which the stones play an essential role. Garnet is said to possess healing powers to help alleviate depression and ward off bad dreams and is a popular choice for rings and pendants to provide constant protection for the wearer.
In ancient Indian literature, a particular type called hessonite garnet—or "gomed"—is one of the nine jewels of the Navaratna. It is symbolic of the root chakra and has a variety of mystic healing properties to stimulate creativity, define and achieve goals, and overcome loss.
Battlefield warriors were known to wear garnet-inlaid armor or shields to protect themselves from harm. Hunza fighters (from Pakistan) were said to shoot garnet bullets in order to inflict greater wounds upon their enemies.
In the Victorian era (the Victorian Era, 1837-1901), garnet jewelry was also given as a gift for one's love interest to promise eternal fidelity to the recipient. Like the rose, its beautiful red color is symbolic of undying passion and joy. Vintage Estate garnet jewelry is extremely popular and the perfect heirloom gifts that will stay in the family for generations.
Popular Garnet Jewelry
Garnet jewelry can be found in every design and setting, from bold cocktail rings to delicate pendants.
Garnet cuff or tennis bracelets are equally elegant from day to night and dazzling drop earrings and simple studs can be mixed and matched with your other garnet pieces for a truly eye-catching look.
Garnet is typically paired with gold settings, but it looks equally stately in sterling silver and platinum designs. You can also find multi-gemstone pieces and sets in our collections that include rose quartz, amethyst, rhodolite, pearl, diamond, and other gemstones that pair well with garnet's striking color and structure.
Garnet is the birthstone of January, marking its significance as the first birthstone of the year. You are in good company with a January birthday—celebrities such as Katie Couric, Carolina Herrera, Kate Middleton and Faye Dunaway also celebrate birthdays in the first month. As versatile as it is beautiful, the red gem is a top choice for fine jewelry.
Garnet Jewelry Care & Handling
Garnet jewelry will last for decades, but only if properly cared for. Many of our pieces use smaller cuts of garnet and may include other accent stones such as diamonds. For this reason, it is important to examine the piece regularly to ensure you do not lose a stone due to prolonged wearing.
Garnet is rated between 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the type and cut. This means that it is a reasonably durable gemstone that will resist scratching as long as it is protected. We recommend removing garnet jewelry before swimming, bathing, washing hands, or engaging in outdoor activity. Submergence in water over long periods can loosen the stone setting.
To clean your garnet jewelry, simply use soap and water and dry with a soft cloth. Ensure to rinse the piece well to prevent soap buildup, and always store it in your jewelry box or any safe place that does not expose it to sunlight. By storing properly, you will reduce the potential of color fading due to sun exposure.
