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Wooldridge Jewelers, Inc.

687 E Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
502.223.6967

Wooldridge Jewelers, Inc.

  • Home
  • Rings / Earrings
  • Pendants / Bracelets
  • Watches
  • Coins
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Videos

Blog

Insight into the world of jewelry, our opinions, worthwhile (and sometimes worthless) information, and much more!

Garnets in January

January 1, 2016 Glenn Wooldridge
 Rough garnet

Rough garnet

Though the most common variety of garnet is red (also the color that most people tend to think of), garnet is found naturally in almost every color, with the rarest variety being blue. There are 12 different types of garnet.   Color change garnets are among the rarest of all gemstones, and they are actually a mixture of garnet types that change color depending on if they’re viewed in natural or artificial light.

 The garnet spectrum

The garnet spectrum

 Blue in daylight, purple under artificial light 

Blue in daylight, purple under artificial light 

Due to its many varieties, garnets are often mistaken for other gemstones, and the most common (red) is often confused with the ruby.  Red garnets can usually be distinguished from the ruby as they exhibit a darker brownish-red hue, whereas rubies are often a true red to blood-red color.  Garnets are also attracted to neodymium magnets (the most common type of permanent magnet), and these magnets are sometimes used to separate garnets from other gemstones.     

 Garnet

Garnet

 Tsavorite Garnet

Tsavorite Garnet

 Ruby

Ruby

 Rhodolite Garnet

Rhodolite Garnet

Another, and extremely rare type of garnet is the star garnet.  Star garnets are so rare that they have only been found in two places in the world; in the state of Idaho in the USA and in India.

Star garnet gemstones are usually opaque and deep brownish-red or reddish-black. Like all star gems, the star effect, or “asterism” is caused by inclusions of rutile (titanium dioxide).  There are only two types of stars: a 4-rayed star and a 6-rayed star, the latter being the rarest form.

 4-star garnet

4-star garnet

 6-star garnet

6-star garnet


In history, garnets have been used by the ancient Romans who incorporated them into their jewelry design, and traded them for other goods and services.  Egyptian pharaohs also adorned garnet jewelry and used them in some ceremonial practices.

 Roman garnet rings

Roman garnet rings

 Egyptian garnet ring

Egyptian garnet ring

Garnets are relatively hard and durable, ranging between 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.  As a result of this, they are very versatile and can be cut into any fashion and shape imaginable.  For garnets that are not usually found in large sizes, the cut is dictated by that which will allow for the most carat weight to be retained.  Garnets are not enhanced or treated in any way, and the color of any particular stone is the most important quality factor.   

 

Garnet is the birthstone for January, and the second anniversary stone.  Often known as the ‘traveller’s stone’, it was thought to be able to show people the way along their journey.  It is also said to promote business and compassion, as well as having healing properties with blood and circulation.  Again, who knows if any of that is true…we like garnets because they’re pretty or handsome, depending on your perspective.     

 

Cleaning your garnet is easy because they’re tough and durable.  Simply use warm soapy water with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and rinse well.  As usual, store your jewelry in a fabric lined jewelry box, or wrap in a soft cloth to keep scratches at bay.   

Make sure to check out all of the incredible garnet rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings that we have available both online and in our store.  Whether it’s a birthday treat for yourself or a loved one, you will be able to find the perfect gift for that special day!

Just type 'garnet' in the search box below to see all of the garnet jewelry we currently have! 

Tags garnet, january, birthstone
← Amethyst in FebruaryRing Sizing →
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Terms of Service and Return Policies

Because our items are often unique and one-of-a-kind works of art, the availability of any individual piece may be limited. Though we make every effort to update our inventory daily, it is recommended that you call us to verify the availability of the item you're interested in before making an online purchase (502)223-6967. 

Customers may return the item with the receipt at anytime for store credit only.  No cash refunds will be given, no exceptions.  If the customer is unable to produce a receipt for the item, the amount of store credit will be determined by the owner.  We do not accept returns of items that have been misused or damaged.

All sales are final.  No cash refunds on returns or Lay-a-way; if the lay-a-way item is not paid in full (including tax) within three (3) months, the item(s) are returned to our inventory and no refund or store credit is given. 

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