Garnet Gemstone Guide: History, Properties, Value & Buying Tips

Garnet is the traditional January birthstone and one of the most versatile gemstones used in jewellery. Known for its rich red hues but found in an extraordinary range of colours, garnet has been valued for thousands of years for its beauty, durability, and symbolism. This guide explains what garnet is, how it is valued, the different types available, and what jewellery designers and buyers should look for when choosing quality garnet gemstones.

What Is Garnet?

Garnet is not a single gemstone but a group of closely related mineral species that share a similar crystal structure. The name comes from the Latin granatus, meaning seed, a reference to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds. Garnets are widely used in jewellery thanks to their excellent brilliance, durability, and availability in calibrated sizes.

Garnet Through History

Garnet has been worn as a gemstone for over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and later European cultures valued garnet for protection, strength, and vitality.

Historically, garnet was believed to symbolise friendship, trust, and safe travel. Today, it is associated with passion, confidence, and long-lasting commitment, making it a meaningful choice for jewellery.

The Romans were particularly fond of garnets, wearing them in rings and using them as trade goods. Long before that, garnets adorned the jewellery of Ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Centuries later, garnet mining became the foundation of a thriving cottage industry in Bohemia, where the stone gained immense popularity throughout Europe.

A striking historical example is the Sarmatian gold diadem, set with garnet (almandine), pearls, and turquoise, dating from the 1st century AD and now housed at the Hermitage Museum.

If garnet’s long and illustrious past has sparked your interest, read on to discover what makes this gemstone such a compelling choice today.

Garnet Fact File: A Buyer’s Guide

Garnet Gemological Properties

Garnets belong to a group of silicate minerals that share similar crystal structures and physical properties but differ in chemical composition.

• Chemical composition: Isomorphous series

• Crystal habit: Cubic or rhombic dodecahedron

• Crystal system: Cubic

• Hardness: 6.5 – 7.5 (Mohs scale)

• Refractive index: 1.74 – 1.89

• Cleavage: None

• Transparency: Translucent to opaque

These properties make garnet suitable for everyday jewellery, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.

Garnet Species & Sources

Garnets are mined on every continent and are used both as gemstones and industrial abrasives. You’ll find them in locations ranging from Canada to Kenya — and, of course, Brazil, one of our key sourcing regions.

Garnet occurs in a wide range of colours, making it one of the most diverse gemstone families.

Types of Garnet Gemstones & Their Origins

• Pyrope: Known for its vivid, ruby-like red colour, pyrope garnet is highly prized for its brightness and clarity. Found in China, Madagascar, Myanmar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA

• Rhodolite (Pyrope): A blend of pyrope and almandine, rhodolite displays attractive raspberry to purplish-red tones and is popular with jewellery designers. Found in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, USA

• Almandine: Deep red to purplish-red, almandine is the most widely recognised garnet and commonly used in fine jewellery. Found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, USA

• Spessartite: Ranging from orange to reddish-orange, spessartine garnet is valued for its vibrant colour and brilliance. Found in Brazil, China, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA

• Grossular (Hydrogrossular):  Found in Myanmar, South Africa, Zambia

• Grossular (Hessonite): Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, India, Tanzania, USA

• Grossular (Tsavorite): Kenya, Tanzania

• Andradite (Demantoid): Russia, China, Korea, USA, Zaire

• Andradite (Melanite): France, Germany, Italy, USA

• Uvarovite: Canada, Finland, India, Poland, Russia, USA

How Garnet Is Valued (The 4 Cs):

As with all fine gemstones, garnet value is determined by the Four Cs:

Colour

Colour is the most important factor in garnet value. Rich, saturated hues without brown or grey tones are most desirable.

Clarity

Most garnets are eye-clean. Visible inclusions can reduce value unless they are characteristic of rare varieties.

Cut

Well-cut garnets show excellent brilliance and even colour distribution. Precision cutting significantly increases value.

Carat Weight

Garnet is available in a wide range of sizes. Larger stones with fine colour and clarity command higher prices.

Treatments and Enhancements

Most garnets are untreated.

This natural state adds to their appeal and long-term value. Any treatments should always be disclosed by the seller.

January’s Birthstone & the Second Wedding Anniversary Gem

Garnet is the birthstone for January and the traditional gemstone for the second wedding anniversary. It has long been associated with protection, prosperity, confidence, and vitality.

Garnet is also the official gemstone of New York State.

Care and Cleaning of Garnet Jewellery

• Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush

• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for included stones

• Store separately to prevent scratching softer gemstones

Proper care helps maintain garnet’s brilliance over time.

Garnet Jewellery Buying Guide

When buying garnet for jewellery making, consider:

• Consistent colour across matched stones

• Accurate calibrated sizes for settings

• Good symmetry and polish

• Reliable sourcing and ethical supply chains

Garnet’s durability and affordability make it ideal for both bespoke and production jewellery.

Garnet is widely used in rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Its wide colour range and availability in calibrated cuts make it a favourite among jewellery designers seeking versatility and reliable supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garnet

Is garnet a precious gemstone?
Garnet is classified as a semi-precious gemstone, but many varieties are highly valuable and used in fine jewellery.

Is garnet suitable for everyday wear?
Yes. With a hardness of up to 7.5, garnet is durable enough for daily jewellery when properly set.

Are garnets always red?
No. Garnets occur in nearly every colour, including green, orange, pink, and rare colour-changing varieties.

Is garnet treated?
Most garnets are untreated, making them attractive to buyers seeking natural gemstones.

A Timeless Natural Gemstone

Garnet is a versatile, durable, and historically rich gemstone that continues to be popular in modern jewellery. Whether chosen as a January birthstone or for its vibrant colour and reliability, garnet offers excellent value and beauty for jewellery designers and gemstone buyers alike.

Whether chosen for its symbolism, beauty, or durability, garnet remains one of nature’s most enduring gifts. With its rich history and extraordinary variety, it continues to inspire jewellery designers and gemstone lovers alike.