Garnet

Sources: Tanzania, Nigeria, Mali, Kenya, Namibia

Hardness: 6.5-7.5

Demantoid Garnet

Sources: Russia, Namibia, Mali

Hardness: 6.5-7

 

When using the term "garnet," gemologists refer to a group of more than ten different species of similar chemical composition. There are two main garnet groups. The first group consists of the aluminum members - Almandine, Pyrope and Spessartine, which display warm red and orange hues. The second group is comprised of calcium members - Andradite, Grossular and Uvarovite.

 

Garnets have been known to mankind for thousands of years. Legends have it that Noah used a garnet lantern to help him steer his ark through the dark night. Garnets are also found in jewelry from early Egyptian, Greek and Roman periods.

 

Garnets are formed during mountain-building events where rocks are put under immense pressure. These types of geologic events can happen all over the world. However, most of the gem-quality rough are sourced from Africa, where the finest pieces are hand-picked and cut with extra care to enhance their natural beauty.

 

Garnet is the birthstone for January and a talisman for Capricorn.

 

Demantoid garnet is the green variety of the Andradite garnet. Its incomparable brilliance and fire inspired its name, which means "diamond-like." Collectors prize demantoids that feature a horsetail inclusion, which is a form of asbestos known as bysolite. These inclusions can only be found in demantoids from Russia, which are often heated to intensify their color.

Namibian demantoid garnets are a more recent discovery and although they do not display the horsetail, they are rarely treated and more readily available.

 

All rough material is hand-picked as close to the course as possible and cut with extra care to enhance their beauty.