Legend and Myth Of Garnet

Garnet known as birthstone of January. is a gemstone describe as royal lore. Archaeologists have often discovered garnet amulets placed around the necks of pharaohs in Old Egyptian tombs .

Ancient Roman leaders wore magnificent garnets signet rings – they used them for stamping the wax seals on important documents and letters as well.

In China, a garnet was believed to represent a tiger’s soul, transformed into a precious red gem after the noble animal’s death.

Read here more about top garnet and diamond jewelry of all time:

Modern History of Garnet

n the 21st century, garnet continues to be a sought after and fashionable gem. In Hollywood it is often can see in big, show stopping jewellery pieces .

like Sandra Bullock’s garnet snake bracelet and Kate Beckinsale’s huge chandelier earrings at the 2009 Golden Globes.

Before her engagement, the Duchess of Cambridge was often photographed wearing a pearl and garnet gold ring, most probably given to her by Prince William.

Garnet is of course Catherine Middleton’s birthstone, for the month of January.

Hard Facts About Garnet

Garnets are setup from many different silicate minerals. Garnet crystals therefore have varied chemical compositions and come in a range of colours.

Garnet ranks 6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Its name comes from the Latin “granatus”, meaning “seeds”, possibly because a cluster of garnet crystals resembles the red seeds inside a pomegranate.

Where The Garnet be Found?

While garnet deposits was discover in Africa, South America and Russia, we choose to source our garnets in India.

Red Indian garnet has the best clarity and deepest colour and the country has some of the world’s most abundant garnet mines.

This dual demand for garnet has led India to develop superlative modern mining practices and the country’s gemstone production is conflict-free.

Birthstone and Anniversary

As the birthstone for January, garnet is explain to inspire love and loyalty. The red garnet’s fiery sparkle and symbolism make it a perfect gift for significant dates and romantic occasions.

As well, the gem traditionally given as gift on 2nd and 18th wedding anniversaries, wedding or can be wearable as engagement ring too.

Famous Garnet

Jackie Kennedy (later Onassis) was always famous for her elegant jewellery. When her estate was in auction after her death, one of the most expensive jewellery items sold was her 19th century garnet cabochon brooch.

A “cabochon” is a gem that’s has been get polish into a round or bead-like shape, but not faceted. The brooch fetched an amazing auction sale price of over £93,000.

Care and Cleaning of Garnet

Garnets are quite brittle because they are crystals.

Always remove rings when washing up or going to the gym. Never place a garnet together with other gems, as these can scratch it.

If your garnet has any cracks or larger inclusions, it may break when exposed to sudden temperature changes – so steam cleaning is not visible.

When cleaning garnet at home, first soak it in hand-warm, soapy water. Then scrub it very gently with a soft toothbrush and pat it to dry.