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The Colour of Garnet JewelryIt is customary to offer a piece of Garnet Jewelry to celebrate the second anniversary of marriage this jewel is also the birthstone for the month of January. Mention of the word Garnet immediatly makes the majority of people think of the blood red variety of gemstone called Pyrope. In fact the stone comes in just about any colour you care to mention that is except for blue which is much rarer. Pyrope has a bright glassy look to it and gem quality stones are mined at Buell Park beyond the reaches of the Painted Desert just east of Canyon de Chelly with specimens up to five carats not uncommon. Almandine is a fiery red with Spessartine and Hessonite a more orange variety, generally as a rule of thumb the more iron content present the redder the jewel will be. Garnet sand is also used for industrial purposes to make sandpaper and mixed with high pressure water jets to cut steel.
This beautiful sparkling gemstone was very popular with the ancient romans and greeks and is a hard stone but can be chipped if you are not careful. I was once given a ring with three blood red gems set in gold as a gift, my birthday is in January and I am a bit heavy handed but the jewels were never damaged even if the gold got very scratched.
Some colour changing types of Garnet are available these are a combination of Pyrope and Spessartine and are very rare. Imitations are out there some made from glass and others synthetic so do please beware. Above all enjoy your Garnet it is said that wearing this gemstone warms the heart. For more information on quality Gemstones simply sign up for Desert Jewels
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