Valentines Day - New Necklaces

In my future Blogs I will be featuring information, folklore and care of the semi-precious gemstones I presently work with in my jewelry. The gemstone that I am highlighting this month is the Garnet. Not only does the Garnet remind me of Valentines day, but when my husband proposed to me on Christmas Day he gave me a Garnet necklace and bracelet.


Garnets, combined beautifully with Swarovski crystal pearls, make this a stunning necklace. I created the pearl flowers using a Japanese bead weaving technique. Anyone who loves what is pure and natural will be fired with enthusiasm by the color spectrum of the Garnet. Look on marybrownjewelry.com for N444 and E445 for the earrings.

Garnet

Throughout history, Garnets have been one of the most popular gemsstones. They are found world wide and in great abundance. The beautiful deep red of the Garnet resembles the juicy seeds of a pomegranate. The Latin word for pomegranate seeds, granatum, could be where the Garnet got its name. In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and associated with eternal love.

Garnet occurs in every color except blue and most varieties are named for their color. Rhodolite is a purplish red, Hessonite is the name for an orange, cinnamon, or pinkish variety. Tsavorite is the name given to dark green Grossularite. Uvarovite and Demantoid are also green varieties.



Red and black Swarovski crystals and green Tourmalated Garnet necklace. The gorgeous Green Garnets set of the crystals stunningly. Look on marybrownjewelry.com for N443 and E446 for the earrings.


Folklore

Legend states that Hades gifted a pomegranate to Persephone before she left his domain to ensure a speedy and safe return. When she did return, the fruit transformed into a handful of the red gemstones. Garnets are often gifted to a loved one before they travel. Garnets are commonly believed to aid in the healing of broken bonds of love.

Garnet’s powers include healing, strength, and protection and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin. It is also believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. Garnets were also believed to protect you from being poisoned. In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.

Caring for your Garnets

Clean Garnet gemstones with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse the stone well after washing it. Ultrasonic treatments may be used for most Garnets, except the Demantoid variety. Steam cleaning Garnets may cause color changes from the heat. Protect Garnet from sharp blows, extreme temperature changes and harsh chemicals.