The Garnet Gem: A Rainbow of Hues

Although jewelry wearers primarily associate a deep red color with the garnet, this silicate gem actually comes in a rainbow of hues. It is said that blue garnets do not exist, but there have recently been gem finds that feature a high quantity of vanadium, which causes a blue green coloration. Granted, this is not the blue you might associate with other stones, but it does add a new facet to the wearable nature of this gem. Since the blue hue is exceedingly rare, it is also quite valuable.

Other colors you can expect to find include pink, black, green, yellow and brown. Some garnets can be completely devoid of color. Mined across the globe, they are also quite commonly found in American mines. Specifically, they come from Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho and Pennsylvania. Depending on the color hue upon mining, you may see them listed under a variety of qualifying monikers. An andradite garnet is a gem with a green, brown or black tint. When the stone is listed as being a pyrope, the color falls into the purple and red spectrum.

For the sake of accuracy, the experienced jeweler considers the term garnet to be a heading under which fall a number of chemically similar silicates. The variations are secondary and tertiary elements, which may include magnesium, aluminum or titanium. As a general rule of thumb, garnets are fairly hard and therefore make excellent daily wear gems. Since they are listed high on the refractive index, they offer a gorgeous brilliance that wearers eagerly seek after. In addition, there are a few gems that seem to have color-changing abilities. The hue changes when the garnet is seen in natural daylight and then taken to a room with an incandescent light source.

This versatile gem has been known since the Bronze Age. Ancient Egyptians incorporated the gems into their royal jewelry. The same is true for Romans and Greeks. It has been said that a portrait of Plato was engraved on a garnet. As is true with all gems, folklore eventually began to form around this stone. During the Middle Ages, different cultures considered the garnet a cure against liver disease, depression, nightmares and continued bleeding. It was thought to keep youngsters safe while swimming and protect royals against poisoning. The most powerful charm during this time was a garnet engraved with the likeness of a lion.

Many modern jewelry buyers choose this gem for its folkloric properties. As the birthstone for January, it is a favorite present to be purchased around the holidays. Yet prior to buying your jewelry piece, ensure that you are working with a knowledgeable artisan. Plenty of newcomers to the trade have mistaken other gems for the various colored appearances of the stone.

Peter Suchy Jewelers invites you to visit our showroom located at 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut. If you enjoy shopping for vintage or estate garnet jewelry online, head on over to our eBay store.

We hope you’ll take the time to like us and engage with us on Facebook and check out our amazing Pinterest Boards.