January’s Birthstone

GARNETS

Garnets are available in many colors with shades of red being the most common and blue the most rare.

Tsavorite and Demantoid garnets are greens and cost more than other colors.

Rhodolite is a red colored garnet and, although striking, is not as costly as the greens.

Brighter shades generally cost more than darker shades – translucence is key.

Hue can be strongly influenced by light source.

Facts about Garnets

Garnets are a family of gem stone that have the same structure, but different chemical makeup.

Garnets are the birthstone for January

Most people don’t realize that garnets come in a variety of colors.

Facts about Garnets

Demantoid garnets can exceed the “brilliance” of a diamond – the sparkle and color speak to the high quality within the garnet family.

As with any gem stone, a good cut cannot make up for poor color or clarity in a garnet.

Look for garnets that are “eye clean” and without noticeable inclusions.

Demantoid garnets

Rough demantoid

Polished demantoid

Vintage demantoid pin

In 2006, the largest tsavorite in the world was discovered near Arusha, Tanzania: 120.68 cts.

Most garnets are under 5 carats.

Of course, size affects the cost per carat. For example, a 5 carat stone will cost significantly more per carat than a 2 carat stone.

Tsavorite Garnet

Rough tsavorite

Polished tsavorite

Tsavorite & diamond ring

Rhodolite garnets are never treated because of their red-violet color and freedom from inclusions

Garnets with murky color can be heated for enhancement which lowers the cost.

David Pierson Designs carries gems for every budget, including a selection of garnets.

Rhodolite Garnet

Rough rhodolite

Polished rhodolite

White gold, diamond & rhodolite ring

Colors in Garnets

Usually a mixture of pyrope and spessartite, these garnets display different colors dependent on the type of light; a rare, valued phenomenon. Green or bluish green to red or purple is the most dramatic change. The color change garnet has been found in Kenya and Madagascar and prices range from about $500 to $1,000 per carat, depending on size, color and clarity.

Color change Garnets

For thousands of years, Garnets have been widely treasured. Noah reportedly used a lantern from garnet in order to safely steer his Ark. Explorers and travelers wore garnets for protection, because garnets were thought to illuminate darkness and prevent evil.

Garnet jewelry exists from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras to the Middle Ages when the garnet was assigned to the planets Mars, Mercury and Pluto. This holds true in the esoteric movement of today.

Healing power of gems remains controversial, but for centuries healers, shamans and medicine men have used them. Garnet is said to be of help for arthritis, pancreatitis and varicose veins. The safest, most common medical approach is to wear the gemstone in contact with the troubled part of the body.

David Pierson Designs doesn’t guarantee your health will improve with your garnet purchase, but we promise a good feeling for both the giver and the receiver, since both of you know you’ve gotten the highest quality beauty for the best price

Garnet Myths and Legends