Garnet, the January birthstone, is it’s own mineral group, widely recognized in it’s most known and common dark red color tone.

While often seen in it’s traditional red color, Garnet as a mineral breaks out into a variety of species depending on the chemical composition it’s made from, and that chemical composition gives Garnet a fascinating range of color - from rich, Tsavorite Green to the rare and vibrant orange Spessartine. Some Garnet’s even feature color-changing properties, giving an illusion of one color tone and bringing out another when exposed to different lighting. It’s an incredible gemstone that we’ve seen move through history with great acclaim.

Possibly the greatest acclaim? The mesmerizing Antique Pyrope Hair Comb, dating to the Victorian Era, and housed at the Smithsonian Institute in the 30’s. It features rose-cut, deep red garnets in a beautifully crafted hairpiece. The Garnets were originally mined in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, and fashioned into this beautiful tiara-like comb:

Garnet stones have also been found featured heavily in Ancient Egyptian headpieces and buried with Pharoahs. Garnet was thought to be a protective Talismans to guard in the afterlife.

Garnet has a mid-way grade on the MOHS scale, reaching a 6.5-7 on hardness; we love to see it in a cocktail ring, surrounded with intricate detail that lets the center Garnet shine! It’s also a great stone to collect in varying hues for mix-and-match studs and earrings.

Spessartine (orange), Tsavorite (green), and Rhodolite (purple/pink) are the most well known varieties of Garnet, ranging in remarkable color tones.

Next time you’re in the area, pop into the Studio and check out the vast and fascinating range of color tones Garnet comes in. We offer them set in ready-to-wear pieces, and as loose gemstones so you can browse for the perfect one for your collection!

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