The Warrior’s Stone:
The Deep History & Hidden Power of GarnetWelcome back to our Weekly Gemstone Journey! This week, we are diving into a stone that is as durable as it is beautiful: Garnet.While most people immediately think of a deep, "pigeon-blood" red, garnets actually come in a rainbow of colors (except blue!). But it’s the rich, fiery red variety that has captured human imagination for over 5,000 years.
1. More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Warrior's TalismanIn ancient times, garnets weren't just worn for fashion; they were worn for protection. Roman signet rings often featured carved garnets to seal important documents, and medieval knights used to set garnets into their armor and sword hilts. They believed the stone would light the way through the darkness and protect them from injury.
2. The "Spark" of the Ancient WorldThe name "Garnet" comes from the Latin word granatus, meaning "seed." This is a nod to the pomegranate, as the small, raw crystals look remarkably like the glistening red seeds of the fruit. In Greek mythology, the pomegranate (and by extension, the garnet) was a symbol of eternity and the bond between lovers—making it a deeply meaningful gift for anniversaries.
3. Why We Love Working With GarnetFrom a maker’s perspective, garnet is a dream to work with. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it sits at a solid 6.5 to 7.5.• For Sean (The Builder): I appreciate the "industrial" side of garnet. Because it is so tough, it’s actually used in high-pressure water jets to cut through steel! That same durability is why a garnet ring can be worn every day and still look stunning decades later.• For Jill: It’s all about the glow. Garnet has a high refractive index, meaning it bends light beautifully. When we facet a garnet, it doesn't just sit there—it "smolders" from the inside.
4. The Meaning Behind the GiftGarnet is the official birthstone for January. It is said to represent trust, friendship, and "coming home." Whether you are celebrating a January birthday or a 2nd wedding anniversary, a garnet says: "You are my constant.
"Shop the Garnet CollectionReady to find your own piece of history? We have several one-of-a-kind garnet pieces currently in the shop, including our Natural Rhodolite Garnet Ring in Sterling Silver.
https://jandsgems.etsy.com/listing/4436181053