Vintage & antique garnet rings

What is a garnet?

Garnet is a group of closely related minerals often used in jewellery. They’re usually thought of as striking, rich, deep red gemstones – although they actually come in a wide range of colours.

Garnet forms under high temperatures and pressures. This process is what gives them their stunning saturated tones. Garnets are found worldwide, including in Africa, India and Russia, where they have been used in jewellery for centuries.

The various types of garnet include:

• Almandine
• Andradite
• Grossular
• Hessonite
• Pyrope
• Spessartine
• Tsavorite
• Uvarovite

Each type of garnet is found in different locations, with varying colours and characteristics.

What colours do garnets come in?

Many people picture garnets as red – some mistake them for rubies. But they can be found in different colours, including green, orange, pink, yellow, and purple. Some highly coveted garnets even change colour under different lighting.

Each stone’s colour depends on the mineral makeup. This varies from one type of garnet to another, making each stone truly unique. Their range of colours has made garnet a versatile choice for ring makers over the centuries, and is perhaps why they have remained popular across many different periods and styles.

Are all garnets the same hardness?

Not all garnets are the same hardness. Most garnets fall between 6.0 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, differing based on their chemical makeup. This means all garnets are reasonably durable. However, some types are harder than others, with Almandine and Pyrope considered two of the hardest.

Hardness affects how well a stone resists scratches and wear. Understanding the hardness of your gemstones is the key to keeping them safe, clean and pristine over time.

Demantoid garnet vs tsavorite

Demantoid and tsavorite are both types of green garnets. However, they have very different qualities:

• Demantoid is a very rare garnet. It’s prized, primarily, for its gorgeous sparkle, which is caused by high dispersion. It is typically only found in Russia or Namibia, accounting for its rarity. One of the most sought-after characteristics of demantoid is that some stones may show ‘horsetail’ inclusions within the stone.
• Tsavorite, from Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa, has a deep green colour and is more durable than demantoid. It is also more common to find, though no less beautiful. As tsavorite was only discovered in the 1960s, it is typically found only in modern rings.

Are garnets suitable for engagement rings?

Yes, garnets are found in many stunning engagement rings. Garnet was a popular choice in Victorian and Edwardian rings and that popularity continues today. Many buyers are attracted to garnet engagement rings for their deep colours, profound meanings and storied history.

However, before choosing a garnet engagement ring, it’s a good idea to think about how it will be worn. It’s important to remember that garnets are not as hard as diamonds or sapphires. As such, they can scratch more easily. However, they’ll still withstand most everyday situations - many people wear garnet rings every day with no trouble. A secure, well-looked-after setting will also help protect your garnet.