Garnet is actually a far more diverse gemstone than some people know as it actually is a representative name for the silicate minerals almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, andradite, mozambique and uvarovite. The name ‘Garnet’ was derived from the Latin word“Garanatus,” meaning “seedlike, which at that time was referring to the rich colour of the pomegranate fruit. If you have ever seen the inside of a pomegranate fruit, the small baubles of bright red seeds represent the unique colour of garnet. The most common colour of Garnet is this rich red colour, however, due to its diversity, the stone can also be found in other colours such as yellow, green and white. These other colours can often be mistaken for emerald, ruby or topaz.

Garnets were particularly popular in Europe, in the 18th and 19th centuries, used for jewellery in the Victorian times. In Old Spain, the pomegranate fruit was extremely popular also which in turn, made the garnet a very popular gemstone to have. Garnet also has a very prominent place in the history of many religions. In Christianity, garnet, according to legend, was used by Noah to illuminate the ark during dark days and nights. Christians also consider the blood-red garnet as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice. Islam religion also believes that the garnet illuminates the Fourth Heaven. Besides these religious meanings, there are many common meanings of the garnet such as passion, true friendship, fidelity, success, self-esteem, loyalty, devotion, energy, faith, consistency, and truth.

There are multiple properties of garnet that are said to promote good health which come from ancient times. The symbolic red colour of garnet may have influenced these beliefs as the remedies are related to heart health & the circulatory system, especially diseases of the blood. Garnet has been said to assist with heart palpitations, inflammation and swelling.

Garnets are commonly found in highly metamorphic rocks and also some igneous rocks as they form under extremely high pressures and temperatures. In terms of locations, the garnet is found in generous quantities in certain parts of the world, prominently locations in; Africa, India, Russia, South America, Madagascar, Pakistan and the United States. Garnet is rare in the fact that it is one of the very few gemstones that are left untreated. This is one of the reasons of its value and popularity to this day.

January is the month that holds the birthstone of garnet and this stone is very popular to be worn by people who are born in this month. The garnet is also given as a celebration of the second year of marriage to bless the couple with strength in fidelity, friendship and love.

Click here to view our Garnet collection or contact us for your special orders or requests.