When it comes to rich, red gemstones, the ruby often claims the spotlight—but there's a rival gem set to challenge the ruby's regal status: the captivating garnet stone. Known for its deep, luxurious hues that encapsulate the essence of pomegranate seeds, the garnet is not only the celebrated birthstone of January; it's a stone of increasing popularity among jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. But what exactly makes the garnet stone so exceptional? What secret meanings and attributes does it hold for those lucky enough to claim this gem as their birthstone? Let’s discuss.

WHAT IS A GARNET STONE?

The garnet stone is a fascinating mineral that belongs to a group known for a variety of striking properties. These silicate minerals are especially celebrated for their unique combination of durability and beauty.

Garnets typically exhibit a glass-like luster, giving them a brilliant, shiny surface that catches the eye. This sparkling appearance makes them popular choices for both jewelry and ornamental designs. And, when it comes to transparency, you can’t get a wider range than with garnets. They can range from completely transparent to translucent, letting different amounts of light pass through and contributing to their visual appeal.

WHAT COLOR IS GARNET STONE?

One of the greatest benefits of rocking garnet is that when it comes to color, you pretty much have as much variety as the rainbow. This is because garnet is a group of minerals that come in many different colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and even black. The most common color of garnet is red, which is why it’s often referred to as “the red gemstone.” Style tip! Consider pairing a  blood red garnet with a milky moonstone for a contrasting look that isn't afraid of a little drama. 

IS GARNET A SEMI-PRECIOUS STONE?

Here’s the thing about garnets…they’re not always equal. See, all garnet’s contain a similar, if not identical crystal structure, however, they vary in chemical composition. Yes, it’s the reason garnet’s come in so many different colors, and it’s also the reason why they’re not all considered equally important as gemstones.

While there are more than  20 categories of garnet, aka species, only five of these are considered commercially important gemstones. They are:

• Pyrope
• Almandine (or, almandite)
• Spessartine
• Grossular (or, grossularite)
• Andradite

Let’s take a closer look at these garnet species.

PYROPE

Most likely, if you’re picturing a red garnet in your head when you hear the word garnet, you’re actually picturing pyrope. Obtaining its name from the Greek words fire and eye, pyrope garnet is the only member of the garnet family that always shows red color.

ALMANDINE

No, we’re not talking about your mom’s green bean dish. Almandine garnets are loved for their purplish-red color and are frequently cut into cabochon jewelry. Often confused with rubies, much of its supply comes from Sri Lanka and Australia. Of course, that hasn’t stopped Connecticut from designating almandine garnet as its state gemstone!

SPESSARTINE

A rare form of garnet, spessartine is often made into jewelry thanks to its vibrant orange-yellow hue. It gets said hue from the sodium rich earth that is is formed within and is found in Australia, Myanmar, India, Afghanistan, Israel, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Tanzania, and the US.

GROSSULAR

Don’t be fooled by the name, there’s nothing gross about grossular. In fact, this gemstone is often referred to as the “cinnamon stone” thanks to its smoky red to brown hue. Another win for garnet? Vermont named grossular garnet as its state gemstone in 1991.

ANDRADRITE

The final species of garnet, andradite contains three sub-varieties, all of which range in black to brown to green in color. Commonly found in Iran, Italy, the Ural Mountains of Russia, Ukraine, and Arizona and California, andradite received its Brazilian name in 1868 after statesman, naturalist, professor, and poet, Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva.

WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL PROPERTIES OF GARNET?

The garnet stone isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's also a powerhouse for the spirit! Often seen as a gem that spins a magical web of protection, garnet is believed to be a spiritual guardian. Are you looking for a boost in confidence and a shield against negativity? Bingo! Garnet's your go-to gem buddy.

Rumor has it that garnet can light a fire in the heart, sparking passion and perseverance. It’s like having a little cheerleader right in your pocket, encouraging you to keep going and chase your dreams, no matter how tough the journey gets. Plus, if your energy levels are more 'snooze mode' than 'full throttle', a garnet could give you that much-needed pep.

In the land of love, garnet is a true matchmaker. Thought to inspire devotion and emotional harmony, it's like wearing a love potion around your neck or on your finger. Want deeper connections? Hop on team garnet!

HOW TO BUY THE BEST GARNET ENGAGEMENT RING

Alright, so you’re sold on  garnet - great! Here’s what to consider when considering an engagement ring.

CONSIDER COLOR

Garnets come in a kaleidoscope of colors, from fiery red to forest green. Red is the royal choice for romance, but there's a hue for every soul. Find the color that dances to the beat of your beloved's heart.

CUT WITH YOUR HEART

The cut of the garnet isn't just about style; it's about making that gem sing. Whether it's the classic round or daring princess, pick a cut that illuminates every heartfelt sparkle of your gemstone.

MERRY METAL

Now, for the band. Yellow gold makes garnets glow like a sunset, while white metals such as platinum and white gold offer a moonlit serenade. Rose gold, on the other hand, shares a secret blush with pinker garnets. Choose a metal that compliments the garnet and your partner's flair.

REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE

Garnets, while tough, aren't invincible. They rank about 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means they're sturdy enough for everyday wear but require a knight's care to prevent scratches from harsh blows.

SIZE MATTERS

A garnet should be just the right size to command attention without overwhelming slender fingers. Balance is the key to a ring that's comfortable, beautiful, and downright regal.

SET YOUR SCENE

The ring's setting is the throne upon which your garnet will sit. A secure setting, like a bezel, can protect your gemstone from jousts and jostlings. But if you desire to showcase the stone's brilliance, consider a prong setting that allows light to play through its facets.

BE BUDGET WISE

An engagement ring’s worth isn’t measured in gold alone. Garnets offer a kingdom's worth of beauty without the dragon-sized price tag. They're a wise choice for lovers seeking glamour on a squire’s budget.

SHOP WITH ETHICS IN MIND

In an age where the story behind the stone matters, seek a garnet sourced with honor. Ethical mining ensures that your token of love holds not only beauty but virtue too.

FIND YOUR PERFECT GARNET ENGAGEMENT RING AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

So there you have it, in the enchanting world of gemstones the garnet truly does reign supreme. And whether you're drawn to its protective vibes, fiery beauty, or just prefer to rock your  birthstone, Olivia Ewing Jewelry can help you find your perfect garnet ring.

SHOP GARNET ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing