Garnet Guide

Garnet is the January birthstone, the 2nd wedding anniversary gemstone and the gem for the zodiac sign Capricorn.

Garnets attracted the pharaohs of Egypt and the czars of Russia, and Peter Carl Fabergé used them in some of his famous Easter Eggs.

Garnets have great brilliance due to their high refractive index and a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Although many people associate garnets with red, they come in a variety of colours with unique names. All garnets have a similar crystal structure but differ in their chemical makeup. Garnets can be confusing because there are so many types. There are five main species used in jewellery: Almandine, Pyrope, Grossular, Spessartine, Andradite, and Uvarovite. Each one has its colours and traits. Plus, individual gems can be a combination of species. Here are some of our favourites.

Red Garnet

Transparent dark red to reddish-brown forms of Almandine are used as gemstones. Almandine is the hardest form of garnet, and a pure deep red is its most valuable colour. Pyrope garnets are usually a lighter red in colour, more transparent and frequently have fewer flaws than the almandine garnets. They also sometimes have a very slight brownish tint.

Which ever species they are, red garnets are very affordable and used in all types of jewellery, including necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. As they are commonly available in larger sizes so there’s no dramatic rise in value as size increases. Garnets are cut into standard faceted shapes and sizes and into cabochons and beads. They are also popular for designer cuts and carvings.

Traditional folklore creates a strong link between red garnet and blood and it is thought to stimulate the metabolism, relieve skin conditions and regulate the heart and blood. Red garnets were worn to enhance bodily strength, endurance and vigour.

Rhodolite Garnet

Rhodolite Garnet is a particular blend of Pyrope and Almandine. The name comes from the Greek word “rhodon,” meaning rose.

The garnets’ colour varies from rose to purplish-violet red. They tend to be very clear and transparent. Rhodolite Garnets are popular in all standard shapes and sizes

Rhodolite Garnet is known as the Stone of Inspiration and is said to stimulate one’s sense of self-worth and alleviate feelings of inadequacy. It symbolises romance, love, and passion.

Tsavorite Garnet

Tsavorite Garnet is the emerald-green variety of grossular garnet that originates in Africa and was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. Tsavorite has become one of the most popular and expensive garnet variety. They are more commonly found in small sizes, so their value goes up significantly with size. As they are more expensive, fine-quality tsavorite is cut into shapes and cutting styles that allow more of the weight to be retained from the rough.

Grossular Garnet exemplifies hope, empowerment, and all things nurturing from Mother Earth. It is said to be a stone of prosperity and abundance, encouraging gratitude and service to others.

Spessartite Garnet

Spessartite Garnet, also called Spessartine Garnet, is one of the rare forms of garnet that has recently increased in popularity. It often has eye-visible inclusions. The colours of these gems range from yellowish-orange to reddish-orange and orange-red. The reddish forms have Spessartine blended with Almandine. They were first found in the Spessart region of Germany. Spessartite garnets are thought to stimulate the brain, strengthen logical reasoning and mental clarity, and activate imaginative thinking.

Mandarin Garnet is the name given to spessartite garnets with the most vivid pure orange. Discovered in Namibia in the 1990s, Mandarin garnet is highly desired as a gem for jewellery due to its eye-catching colour, brilliance, and hardness. It is the most valuable of spessartite garnets, especially clean stones in larger sizes.

Malaya Garnet

Malaya Garnet is a popular but rare garnet variety of pyrope-spessartine. Light to slightly dark in colour, that ranges from pink, pinkish orange, yellowish orange, orange, to red.

With their high hardness, no cleavage and excellent dispersion, malaya garnets are excellent stones for any type of jewellery.

Some malaya garnets change colour under incandescent and fluorescent light.

Garnet Care

Garnet has excellent wearing qualities but still requires some care. Avoid wearing garnet jewellery when using harsh chemicals like bleach or sulfuric acid, as these can cause damage. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean your garnet jewellery. Be sure to rinse well to remove all soapy residue. As with most other gemstones, avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaners, as well as heat steamers. Garnet can scratch other gems and also be easily scratched by harder gems such as sapphire and spinel so always store garnet jewellery separately.