Garnets

History
Qualities
Garnets About
Birthstone
Prices
Garnet Through the Ages

Garnets have been part of human history for over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians adorned themselves with garnet beads, valuing them as symbols of protection and power. During the Middle Ages, garnets were exchanged as tokens of trust and friendship, while Roman clergy used the gemstone in their rings, believing in its spiritual strength. Some of the most famous historical pieces include Bohemian garnet jewelry from the Czech Republic, renowned for its craftsmanship and beauty.
The Unique Qualities of Garnet

Beyond its visual appeal, garnet is prized for its symbolic and metaphysical properties. It’s often associated with vitality, courage, and emotional balance. Many believe garnets inspire passion and self-confidence while offering protection and grounding energy. These qualities, combined with the gem’s vibrant colors, make garnet a favorite among collectors and wearers.
Garnets are a group of silicate minerals known for their exceptional brilliance and wide range of colors. While traditionally associated with deep red, garnets come in orange, green, pink, purple, and even color-changing varieties. Among the most popular and valuable types are:
• Spessartine – A vibrant orange garnet, often called Mandarin garnet due to its fiery hue.
• Umbalite – A rare purplish-pink garnet found in East Africa, known for its rich, elegant tones.
• Rhodolite – A mix of Pyrope and Almandine, displaying a beautiful raspberry-red to purplish hue.
• Tsavorite – A bright green variety of Grossular garnet, often compared to emerald for its vivid color.
• Demantoid – The most valuable green garnet, prized for its exceptional fire and dispersion, often containing characteristic “horsetail” inclusions.
Garnets have been cherished for thousands of years, with historical use in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where they symbolized protection, strength, and vitality. During the Middle Ages, garnets were believed to ward off evil and promote healing. The first significant sources of garnets were in India, Sri Lanka, and Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic). Today, the finest garnets are mined in Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Russia, and the United States, with East Africa producing some of the world’s most exceptional Tsavorites and Spessartines.
Garnet: The Birthstone for January

Garnet holds a special place as January’s birthstone, representing love, loyalty, and commitment. For centuries, it has been a popular gift to symbolize deep affection and lasting bonds. As a birthstone, garnet is said to bring prosperity, peace, and health to those born in January, enhancing its appeal as a personal gemstone.
Garnet pricing varies significantly based on variety, color, clarity, and carat weight. Almandine is the most affordable, starting at $10 per carat, while rhodolite and umbalite in vivid shades can range from $100 to $1,000 per carat. Spessartine, especially in the “Fanta” or “Mandarin” colors, can exceed $1,000 per carat if clean and well-cut. Malaya garnets, prized for their unique hues, range from $80 to $500 per carat. Tsavorite, the most valuable green garnet, can surpass $5,000 per carat, particularly in sizes over 4 carats. Overall, garnet value is driven primarily by color intensity, with rare, highly saturated stones commanding the highest prices.