Slice open a pomegranate and you'll see a hundred tiny jewels. Ancient gem lovers saw it too, and named a gemstone after it.
Garnet: the deep red gem that's been loved for thousands of years
Rich, glossy, romantic and utterly irresistible, garnet is the gem that makes every outfit look more expensive. It has been turned into jewellery for thousands of years, and it still stops people in their tracks today.
Read to the very end to find out what this jewellery gem has in common with the sandpaper in a workshop.
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The pomegranate connection
🍎 The name garnet is thought to come from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate, because small red garnet crystals look just like the fruit's glistening seeds.
🏺 Garnet beads have reportedly been found in jewellery dating back thousands of years, which makes it one of the longest-loved gems of all.
💎 Garnet isn't one single stone but a whole family of related minerals, and almandine, the deep wine-red kind, is the classic you'll see in antique jewellery.
Antique Graduated Almandine Garnet 15ct Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring | Size J
£499
or 4 interest free payments of £124.75
Five graduated garnets marching across 15ct gold, with a deep, wine-dark glow that only an antique can deliver. This one has history, and it looks fabulous.
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January's birthstone, with a Victorian fan club
Garnet is January's birthstone, and it had a golden age in Victorian jewellery, when deep red garnets in gold were everywhere. That timeless look is back in a big way, and it pairs beautifully with diamonds.
Garnet and Diamond Art Deco Inspired Octagonal 9ct Yellow Gold Ring
£599
or 4 interest free payments of £149.75
A bold octagon of garnet framed with diamonds in 9ct gold. Strong shapes, strong colour and serious glamour.
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What garnet is often associated with
In crystal traditions and folklore, garnet is often associated with:
❤️ Passion and devotion
⚡ Energy and vitality
🧳 Safe travels, an old tradition among wearers
Vintage Round Garnet 9ct Yellow Gold Solitaire Stacking Ring | Size O ½
£195
or 4 interest free payments of £48.75
A single round garnet in 9ct gold: simple, classic and made to stack. Wear it every day and love it more each time.
Love a garnet but need a different fit? Our ring resize page is the place to start.
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Two more ways to wear the pomegranate gem
Oval Faceted Bezel Set Garnet Sterling Silver Bracelet
£129
or 4 interest free payments of £32.25
Nature-Inspired Garnet Sterling Silver Drop Earrings
£59.99
or 4 interest free payments of £15
Sterling silver and garnet make a gorgeous pair, and these drop earrings are made for everyday wear.
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Easy care for a fiery shine
✨ Warm soapy water and a soft cloth
🧽 Rinse and pat dry
👛 Keep it in its own pouch between wears
💍 Pop in for a quick sparkle-up any time
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Garnet FAQs
What month is garnet the birthstone for?
January.
Does garnet only come in red?
Red is the classic, but the garnet family also includes shades of orange, yellow and green.
Is garnet good for everyday wear?
Yes. Garnet is a hard, hard-working gem, and it's a favourite for stacking rings, bracelets and earrings.
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What our customers say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Teresa Perry
"Really unusual pieces and beautifully made. Purchased a ring containing my birthstone and my husband's birthstone. A perfect piece of jewellery to celebrate our golden wedding."
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The sandpaper secret
Here's the payoff. Garnet is so hard and tough that crushed garnet is widely used as an industrial abrasive, in everything from sandpaper-style sanding grits to the cutting streams of waterjet machines. The same gem that glows on your finger is a seriously tough little crystal. No wonder it's been worn for thousands of years.
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Fall for the pomegranate gem today!
Deep, rich, tough and gorgeous, garnet has it all. Fancy another gem story? Read the secret garden inside every emerald, then come and see our garnets in Kirkcaldy.
📍 Eloise Jewellery, 156 High Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, KY1 1NQ
📞 01592 646340
✉️ eloisejewellery@hotmail.co.uk
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 9:30am–5:30pm
Please note: the spiritual properties described in this article come from crystal traditions and folklore. They are not scientifically proven and are not a substitute for medical advice.