Throughout centuries, cultures, and changing times – royal garnets have remained a treasured and meaningful stone.
From rich reds to deep smoky maroons, garnets have long been a coveted and noble gem. “Gernet” in 14th century English terms the stone “dark red,” stemming from the Latin “granatum” – referring to pomegranates. Traditionally the garnet is well known for this deep red hue, but keep your eye out for the wonderfully green and blue shades of the jewel as well. Some garnets are even colorless! Others change colors depending on the light present.
Do you have a loved one with a January birthday? Perhaps you’re coming up on your milestone in marriage. Garnets are traditionally a wedding anniversary gift for both the 2nd and 18th years of marriage! You can’t go wrong with an “I love you” – Joslin’s style! Symbolic of love, life, and healing, garnets are proven to withstand the test of time.
For thousands of years, this gem has been a meaningful and powerful possession, often reserved for nobility or spiritual leaders. The Egyptians used garnets as a symbol of life and in signet rings, while the Romans sealed their messages with garnet stamps. From the Middle Ages through the Victorian Age, garnets have significantly impacted different empires and cultures. Garnets have been especially prized for their alleged healing powers; warriors carried garnets into battle, while other people groups claimed garnets could ward off plagues – something most fitting for today’s current line of events, perhaps. Among indigenous groups, garnets were used as remedies for both inflammatory diseases and bad tempers!
One of the oldest garnet pieces on display today is an exquisite hair comb with a rose-cut garnet at its crest.
According to Indian astrology, the rich red stones eliminate negative feelings and can increase one’s self-confidence. Looking for mental clarity? Garnets are said to nurture creative thinking and grant peace of mind.
During Victorian times, many garnets were sourced from Bohemia. In the 19th Century, Russian royals were known to wear and display green garnets from the Ural Mountains. Today, most garnets are sourced from the African content: Namibia’s demantoids and Kenya’s bright green tsavorites are just the beginning of the impressive garnets found in Africa. Garnets can also be found from Southern California to Brazil! Other sourcing regions that boast this stone include Myanmar, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka!
While garnets are fairly durable, falling between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Moh’s hardness scale, they are not invulnerable to scratches or cracks. Garnets are usually not recommended for daily wear, such as on an engagement ring, but they make perfect pendants or earrings! Diamonds and other durable stones can cause damage to your noble garnets, so keep jewelry carefully separate – especially when garnets are durable enough to cause harm to other jewels like opals or pearls.
