Garnet in jewellery

Garnet in jewellery

Garnet is a group of related minerals. Jewellery gems occur in colours beyond dark red, including green and orange. Pyrope and almandine are common red garnets; tsavorite and demantoid are green varieties. Colour alone cannot securely identify a stone.

Historical use

Red garnets have been used in jewellery since antiquity. GIA describes Roman signet rings and a Bohemian jewellery industry that peaked in the late nineteenth century. A red garnet jewel is nevertheless not automatically Bohemian or from that period.

What should be examined?

Garnets occur as faceted stones, cabochons and beads. Species, colour, clarity and cut need to be considered together. An 830 silver mark relates to the metal, not the stone. When documenting older jewellery, photograph every stone and setting, including the reverse. Record chips, loose settings and possible replacements before cleaning.

Care and further assessment

Depending on type, garnet has a Mohs hardness of about 6.5 to 7.5. Avoid impacts and steam cleaning. Lukewarm soapy water is normally suitable for the stone, but first assess the materials and condition of the whole piece. Browse OBA jewellery.

Sources

GIA: Garnet Description; GIA: Garnet History; GIA: Garnet Quality; GIA: Garnet Care.