|
|
| Garnet
- Gem of Light and Guidance |
| Garnet,
one of the oldest gemstones in human history, dates back to the Bronze Age.
Garnets are known worldwide for their intense deep red color. The shape of a
Garnet resembles a rounded grain, and it derives its name from the Latin word
“granum”, meaning grain, or “granatus”, meaning pomegranate,
since its dark red stones resemble the seeds of a pomegranate. Garnet is known
to be the birthstone of the month of January, and is traditionally associated
with the 11:00 am hour of the day. |
|
|
| Although
modern day Garnets come mostly from Africa, these gemstones were popular thousands
of years ago around the world. Folklore stories tell us that Noah used a Garnet
lantern in order to navigate his ark through the night. Primitive cultures have
used Garnets to stop bleeding and cure inflammation, and Asian and North American
tribes used Garnets as bullets, believing it would inflict fatal wounds. |
| Garnet
was also one of the twelve stones that adorned the breastplate of the high priest
Aaron (Exodus 39). Garnet later has stood for the tribe of Judah, one of the
Twelve Tribes of Israel. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans have all worn
Garnet jewelry, as well. It was widely believed that Garnets are powerful talismans,
as they protected travelers at night by lighting up their ways and chasing away
evil. | |
| Garnets
were highly popular in Europe, in 18th and 19th centuries. They were frequently
used for jewelry in the Victorian times, and Bohemian Garnets, from the former
Kingdom of Bohemia are famous even today, known for their small but beautiful
stones set close to each other resembling a pomegranate. Garnet jewelry is still
found in the Czech Republic today, with the stones still arranged in the traditional,
tightly joined way. This ensures that the attraction of the classical Garnet
pieces is caused only by the beauty of its stones. |
| In
Greek mythology, a pomegranate is referenced as a gift of love and is associated
with eternity. Nowadays, Garnet remains as a gift of love and is traditionally
given for the 19th anniversary of marriage. It may also be used as a gift for
two-year and six-year anniversaries. Moreover, Garnet is symbolic of a quick
return and separated love, since Hades had given a pomegranate to Persephone
before she left him to ensure her speedy return. Therefore, Garnet may be given
to a beloved before embarking on a trip, as it is believed to heal the broken
bonds of lovers. |  |
|
Today,
the brilliant shine of Garnet can be explained by their high refraction of
light. Garnets are sturdy and quite resistant to any wear and tear, making
them an excellent choice for any jewelry. Garnet’s brilliance and unaltered
natural beauty makes it easy to see why this gemstone has remained a popular
choice for so many centuries.
|
|
|