garnet jewellery guide
What are Garnets?
Garnets, captivating in their diverse array of colours, are a group of silicate minerals renowned for their exquisite beauty. Ranging from deep reds to vibrant greens and everything in between, these gemstones have enchanted humanity for centuries.
Garnet Jewellery Inspiration
Garnet Lore and Meaning
Garnets have a rich lore and hold various meanings across different cultures and historical periods. Here are some of the common beliefs and interpretations associated with garnets:
- Symbol of Love and Friendship: Throughout history, garnets have been associated with love, romance, and deep affection. They are often exchanged between friends or lovers as a symbol of loyalty and trust.
- Protective Talisman: In ancient times, garnets were believed to possess protective powers, shielding the wearer from harm and promoting health and well-being.
- Enhancing Energy and Vitality: Garnets are thought to boost energy levels, stimulate creativity, and increase overall vitality.
- Grounding and Root Chakra: In the realm of crystal healing and chakras, garnets are associated with the Root Chakra, believed to promote grounding, stability, and a strong connection to the Earth.
- Warrior's Stone: In ancient times, warriors carried garnets into battle, believing they would provide protection and strength.
Whether for their symbolic significance or sheer beauty, garnets have held a special place in human history and continue to captivate us with their allure and charm.
Garnet Jewellery Colour Guide
WHAT ARE THE BEST SHADES OF GARNETS FOR JEWELLERY?
Garnets come in a beautiful range of colours. The classic ones are deep red, purple-red, and orange. You can also find yellow, green, brown, black, and colourless varieties. Each type has its own unique charm. From rich ruby reds to sunny yellows and exotic greens, garnets offer a stunning array of choices for jewellery and capture the hearts of gem enthusiasts everywhere.
Where do Garnets come from?
Garnets hail from diverse corners of the globe. These silicate minerals can be found in metamorphic rocks formed under high pressure and temperature conditions. They also occur in igneous and sedimentary rocks, although less frequently.
India, renowned for its rich history of garnet jewellery, has been a significant source. Other notable locations include Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania and the United States. Each region's unique geological processes contribute to the creation of these magnificent gemstones, ensuring that garnets from different parts of the world possess distinct characteristics and charm. Other species of garnet have been found in Russia, Finland and Poland.
Popular Types of Garnet For Jewellery
Almandine
Almandine is a variety of garnet, which is a group of silicate minerals with similar crystal structures but varying chemical compositions. Almandine garnets are one of the most common and well-known types of garnets. They are typically deep red to reddish-brown in color and are known for their rich and warm appearance.
Tsavorite
Tsavorite is a rare and exquisite variety of green garnet. It is one of the most coveted and valuable green gemstones available. Named after Tsavo National Park in Kenya, where it was first discovered in the 1960s, Tsavorite has gained significant popularity among gemstone enthusiasts and collectors.
Pyrope
Pyrope is another variety of garnet, and it is known for its intense and vibrant red color, often resembling the deep red hue of a ruby. The name "pyrope" is derived from the Greek word "pyropos," meaning "fiery-eyed." This fiery appearance is one of the reasons why pyrope garnets have been highly prized and valued as gemstones for centuries.
january birthstone
Garnet Birthstone Jewellery
Garnet is the birthstone of January and is associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn.
With its deep red hues reminiscent of a blazing hearth, garnet symbolises warmth, love, and protection. Throughout history, this captivating gemstone has been cherished for its association with faithfulness, trust, and strong bonds of friendship.
As January's birthstone, garnet is believed to bring good luck and offer protection to its wearer. Its enduring beauty and timeless allure make it a popular choice for a wide range of jewellery, from elegant rings and necklaces to exquisite earrings and bracelets. Embodying the spirit of new beginnings and the promise of a new year, garnet serves as a meaningful and cherished gemstone for those celebrating their birthdays in January.
Famous Garnets
Lion of Merelani
The Lion of Merelani was discovered in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania and is an exceptional 177 faceted tsavorite garnet gemstone. It currently on exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum. It is 116.76 carats and is the largest precision-cut tsavorite in the world.
Image: Jeff Scovil, courtesy of Bridges Tsavorite
The Pyrope Hair Comb
From the Czech Republic, this antique hair comb is adorned with Bohemian pyrope garnet gemstones. The comb features many different sized rose-cut pyropes and was donated to the Smithsonian National Museum in 1937 where is is currently on display.
Image: Chip Clark, Smithsonian Institution
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