If you are looking for garnet jewellery in South Africa, you are in good company: garnet is the January birthstone and one of the oldest gems in jewellery history. It is best known for its deep red, but the garnet family is far more colourful than most people expect. In this guide from Wanderlust Jewelry we look at what garnet is, where its name comes from, what people have believed about it, and how to care for it.
What is garnet?
Garnet is not a single mineral but a group of closely related minerals that share the same crystal structure and differ in chemistry. That is why garnets come in almost every colour, from deep purplish reds to oranges, yellows and vivid greens. Some garnets even change colour, from blue to purple, under different lighting.
A few of the names you may see:
- Almandine: the most common gem garnet; blended with pyrope it gives the classic dark red.
- Pyrope: a red garnet; Bohemia in central Europe was the main source of the red pyrope garnets so popular in Victorian times.
- Rhodolite: a purple-red blend of almandine and pyrope.
- Spessartine: garnets in orange hues, including the bright orange known as mandarin garnet.
- Grossular: found in almost every colour except blue; its green variety is called tsavorite.
- Demantoid: a green variety of andradite garnet, prized by collectors.
January birthstone: garnet's name and history
The name garnet comes from the medieval Latin granatus, meaning pomegranate, a nod to the deep red of the fruit's seeds. In ancient times, the word carbuncle was often used for red garnets too.
Garnet has been worn for thousands of years. According to GIA, red garnet necklaces adorned the necks of Egypt's pharaohs and were buried with them as treasured possessions for the afterlife. The Romans carved garnets into signet rings used to seal documents with wax, and in the Middle Ages red garnet was favoured by clergy and nobility.
Where garnet comes from
Garnet is found all over the world. GIA notes that the African continent now supplies much of the world's garnet: Namibia produces demantoid, and tsavorite comes from Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar. Garnet is also found in Myanmar, Brazil, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, and Southern California's Little Three mining area was known for it for many years.
Garnet meaning and beliefs
Garnet's deep red has long been linked with love, warmth and commitment, which is one reason it is a popular gift. It is also the gem traditionally given for the 2nd wedding anniversary.
Beliefs about garnet include:
- Some believe garnet brings the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
- In Indian astrology, garnet is traditionally associated with letting go of negative feelings, and with self-confidence and mental clarity.
- In medieval times it was thought to calm an angry heart.
- In modern crystal lore, many people wear rhodolite for warmth, affection, love and self-confidence.
These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects, and are no substitute for medical advice.
Wearing and caring for garnet jewellery
Garnet ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and has fair to good toughness. That makes it durable enough for jewellery, but softer than ruby, sapphire or diamond, so it is a lovely choice for earrings, pendants and necklaces, and in rings it is best protected from hard knocks. Rhodolite, at 7 to 7.5 with no cleavage, is one of the more durable garnets for everyday wear.
To keep it looking its best:
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are always safe.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are usually fine, except for stones with fractures or fracture-filling.
- Steam cleaning is not recommended.
- Store garnet apart from harder gems so it does not get scratched.
Garnets are rarely treated, though fracture-filling has occasionally been seen. You will find more tips in our jewellery care guide.
Choosing garnet jewellery in South Africa
Because garnet comes in so many shades, it is worth deciding first whether you want the classic deep red, a purple-red rhodolite, or something brighter. Think about who will wear it and how: a pendant or pair of earrings is easy to wear every day, while a ring is a lovely way to carry a birthstone with you.
A few things that help when shopping with Wanderlust Jewelry South Africa:
- Not sure of a ring size? Use the printable ring sizer on our size guide. Rings over R2,000 include a free first resize within 30 days.
- Text engraving is a thoughtful touch for a January birthday gift; words and symbols are priced in the engraving box as you type. See the engraving guide.
- Want to see the exact piece first? Schedule a video call with one of our consultants (WhatsApp 068 613 6350).
Shop the January birthstone
Our founders hand-pick pieces from artisans in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong, along with pieces made in South Africa. Browse our January birthstone collection for garnet pieces, or explore all our gemstone jewellery.