Garnets
The gem of plenty, Garnet is one of the few gemstone varieties that span a broad spectrum of color. Named for its likeness to pomegranate seeds, garnet is best known for its shades of red. But most are surprised to learn that garnet is found in multiple hue of pink, purple, green, yellow, orange and brown.
January's birthday, garnet is also the suggested gift for the 2nd wedding anniversary. Garnet has historically signified faith, friendship, loyalty and truthfulness. Believed to calm anxiety, cheer the heart, encourage guidance and inspire creativity, garnet illuminates the bright disposition of those who wear it.
A majority of the garnet varieties can be classified as one or a mixture of five types: Almandine, the most common type, is dark red to brownish-red. Pyrope is a deep vivid red. A blend of pyrope and almandine is rhodolite, a light to dark pink to purplish red. Andradite comes in yellow, green, or brown, known as demantoid when emerald in color. Grossular garnet comes in yellow, orange and brown, known as tsavorite in its green variety and hessonite when cinnamon-colored. Spessartine comes in shades from reddish-brown to yellow orange. Consult with your jewelers on cleaning instructions. An ultrasonic cleaner is safe for most varieties except andradite (demantoid). Steam cleaners are not recommended.