Garnets have been worn and loved by gemstone collectors for millennia. They have adorned the finery and armor of royalty in ancient Egypt and Renaissance Europe, and were carved into signet rings used to seal the deal on matters of state and personal correspondence. In the modern day, they are loved for their beautiful color, and treasured as January’s birthstone. But there is more to garnets than might come immediately to mind - they are wonders of the mineral world, and a diverse family of intriguing gemstones. |
When imagining garnets, the color that comes first to mind for most is deep red - the word "garnet" derives from the word pomegranate, whose red interior the gems were thought to resemble. In truth, garnets are a group of related stones with similar chemical and geological properties. Those January babies in search of variety need not despair: the unique conditions under which the different "species" of garnets form give them different sizes, shapes, and colors. From rich wine-red pyropes and cheery orange and coppery-brown spessartines, to brilliant green grossular garnets, the garnet group offers a rainbow of colors for gem lovers to adore. |
In addition to holding pride of place as January's traditional birthstone, garnets are a popular gift in celebration of second wedding anniversaries. And of course, their lovely red varieties are a romantic choice for a Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie! Let us share a few of our favorites from Heart of the Home’s selection of designs featuring garnet. Some focus on a single one of garnet’s gorgeous colors, while some play with different shades in splendid harmony. We think you’ll like them all. |