Garnet Necklace

Garnet is actually a diverse gemstone with a number of hues and chemical compositions (numbering 10). Red garnet is the most popular color of the garnet gemstone family and the one used in most gemstone jewelry. With a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, garnet is a relatively durable gemstone that also has a high refractive index, which is the cause of garnet’s brilliance. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granum” or “grain”. This word was associated with garnet because of its round shape, red color and grainy surface.

The garnet gemstone has been known to mankind for several thousand years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used garnet gemstones in their jewelry for healing protection. Early explorers also liked carrying garnet gemstones, as they believed it protected them from danger and could light up the night. As a result of science, we now know that garnet’s luminosity is related to its high refractive index.

Red garnet was much in demand in the 1700 and 1800s in Europe. During the Victorian period, much jewelry was made with garnet. Garnet gemstones are a great choice to wear as jewelry, as they have a luminous sparkle, are inexpensive and are relatively common. They also offer certain health benefits. Red garnet is known for being a stone of truth and purity and can help improve one’s spiritual awareness and self confidence. Garnet is also said to increase sex drive.

Garnet gemstones are also believed to relax tension and increase wealth. By wearing garnet often or placing garnet gemstones on your desk or your work space, it is said that wealth will slowly accumulate to you. Garnet is the birthstone of January and good for people having birth numbers with any 4 or 8 numbers. Garnet was first mined in mass in the USA, but now comes mostly from Sri Lanka, East Africa and India. We feel safe to say that the beauty and radiance of garnet jewelry is sure to live on for another several thousand years – delighting all those who wear it.