- The name Garnet originates from the medieval Latin granatus, meaning “pomegranate,” in reference to the similarity of the rich red color
- Garnets are commonly red but also come in a palette of colors ranging from deep red to vibrant green. Tsavorite is vibrant green, Demantoid is a rare green garnet, spessartine (also called spessarite) is an orange garnet, and rhodolite is a beautiful purple-red garnet. Some garnets can exhibit color change from blue to purple in different lighting conditions
- Garnets have been used since the Bronze Age as both gemstones and abrasives
- Garnets can be found in Myanmar, Brazil, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. Bohemia was the primary source of the red pyrope garnets popular during Victorian times. In 19th century Russia, green demantoid garnets from the Ural Mountains were prized by the Russian royal family. Today the countries in Africa supply much of the world's garnet. Namibia is producing demantoids and rich orange-to-yellow spessartine garnets. Most of the vibrant green tsavorites in the market come from Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Tanzania is also a key source of spessartine garnets
- In ancient times people believed that garnet had special powers and that if they wore it in their birth months, they would draw from the gemstone’s energy. Some believe garnet brings the wearer good health, wealth, and happiness
- According to Indian astrology, garnet helps eliminate negative feelings and instill greater self-confidence and mental clarity to promote creative thinking and peace of mind. Garnet signals eternal friendship and trust which is why it is the perfect gift to give to a friend who has a birthday in January
- Your birthstone is personal and affordable to collect. Birthstone jewelry creates a cherished gifting experience
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