Glorious Garnets: Why This Lesser-Known Gemstone is Undergoing a Renaissance

Among the oldest known gemstones, the garnet, January’s birthstone, has been prized for more than 5,000 years. Found in the jewellery of Egyptian pharaohs and ancient Romans, the Victorians adored the red variety of garnet for which this gemstone is best known. Jewellery in the 19th century wasn’t just an accessory; it was a vehicle of expression. The garnet’s rich red colour was seen as a symbol of love, passion and the heart’s desire.

One of the most misunderstood gemstones in the mineral kingdom, the colour red played an essential role in the naming of the garnet. Derived from the Latin word ‘granatus’, meaning grain or seed, garnet is believed to be a reference to the red seeds of the pomegranate. This led to the common misconception, still very much alive today, that all garnets are red when, in fact, their colours span the spectrum. Virtually unheard of in the jewellery industry just a decade ago, garnets have shed their dusty image and emerged as a gemstone with enormous collecting potential. Join us as we step inside the dizzying world of garnets and speak to the dealers and jewellers who are leading the way in drawing attention to the greatness of this lesser-known gemstone.