Garnet is actually the name of a group of minerals that come in a variety of colors. The symbolism of this January birthstone is that it is believed to bring peace, prosperity and good health. These characteristics make Garnet the optimal stone for the start of the New Year. Garnet also symbolizes loyalty and constancy which makes it a great gift for a friend whose friendship you deeply value. In addition to being the January birthstone and a great gift for a friend,  Garnet also is the traditional gift for 2nd Wedding Anniversary.

With so much significance, we are excited to share a bit more about this multi-faceted stone.

• Garnet derives its name from the Latin word “granatum” which means seed and is rightfully used for Garnet because of its resemblance to the deep red color of the pomegranate seeds.

• Garnets are found in many places around the world, including North and South America, Australia, India, Asia and Spain. The more common, red Garnet is found in metamorphic rocks (rocks that are altered by heat and pressure).

• Garnet is a very durable gemstone (6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale; Diamonds – the hardest natural substance is at 10). Garnet’s durability makes it a great gemstone for use in Jewelry. Garnet is so durable that remnants of Garnet jewelry can be found as far back as the Bronze age in the third millennium BC.

• As per our knowledge, there are no laboratory created Garnets in the market. In addition, besides the heat treatment of demantoid variety to permanently improve color, widespread processes like heating and irradiation are not used to “treat” Garnet.

Going back to the color aspect, there are more than 20 Garnet species adding to the color variety of Garnets. The variety of colors in Garnets come from metals such as manganese, iron, calcium and aluminum. Following are some of the Garnet gemstone varieties/species that are seen in jewelry.

Pyrope Garnet – The classic and the less expensive red Garnet that frequently comes with a brown or orange tint.

 

Almandine Garnet – Another deep red and less expensive Garnet that comes with a slight violet tint. A pure deep red is the most desirable color.

 

Rhodolite Garnet – A very attractive violet-red Garnet which makes stunning jewelry pieces. Rhodolite composition is a mixture of Pyrope and Almandine Garnets,although it is more expensive that Pyrope and Almandine Garnets by themselves.

 

Hessonite Garnet –  Known as cinnamon stone, Hessonite is a brown-red Garnet variety. Traces of manganese and iron give Hessonite its color.

 

Spressartite Garnet – Have an orange to red-orange color with exceptional brilliance.

 

 

Grossularite Garnet – Another combination variety composed of hessonite and tsavorite.

 

 

Tsavorite Garnet – Pale to emerald green in color and is one of the rarest Garnet varieties. The color is due to traces of chromium and vanadium. The finest examples rival fine emerald in color, but are superior to emerald in hardness and brilliance.

 

Demantoid Garnet – The the rarest and most valuable of all the garnets. Demantoid means “diamond-like luster” and demantoid garnet is one of the few gemstones with a luster and brilliance similar to diamond. Found in green to emerald green, demantoid garnet is very rare and is typically found only in small sizes.

 

So, what is your favorite Garnet variety? At HCM Diamonds, we created a lovely custom piece using Rhodolite and it is one of our favorites in Garnets besides the more traditional red Garnet.

 

 

Diamond and Rhodolite Pendant and Earrings set in 18kt Rose Gold

 

 

 

 

Gemstones add another dimension and a whole new meaning to Jewelry especially when created to mark a significant moment. In addition, creating pieces with the combination of diamonds and gemstones adds unparalleled sparkle.

Some reasons as to why you should consider Garnet for your Jewelry –

• Garnets make great gifts in celebrating not only January birthdays, but also for celebrating a good friend, 2nd wedding anniversary and the New Year
• At 6.5-7.5 on Mohs Scale, Garnets make a durable gemstone to be set in jewelry
• The color range of Garnets is very attractive and offers many versatile options at affordable costs
• Today, no synthetic (lab grown) Garnets are available in the market thereby making you a much confident Garnet buyer.

Have a Sparkling January!