Garnet - January's Birthstone

Garnets have been used in jewelry for centuries, and were particularly common in the Late Antique Roman world.  Still popular today, it is not so well-known that garnets come in many colors.  The name itself is believed to derive from the Latin "malum garanatum" which means pomegranate.  The stones do, in fact, rather resemble those lovely seeds.  So no wonder we think of it only as red!

Garnet growing in a rock

But if you're not fond of red, you can also find garnet in gorgeous greens, oranges and yellows.  Due to the popularity, and relatively affordable price or the red garnets, they are the easiest to find on the market.

Green Garnet Drusy Pendant

Metaphysically, garnet is a stone of romantic love and passion.  It is also said that it will bring positive thoughts and boost energy!  I'm sure there are a few of us out there who could use a little of that.

Odd garnet fact #1  - warriors used to carry garnets as a talisman against death and injury.  But it was also said to bring victory and peace, as well as be able to stop the flow of blood.

Odd garnet fact #2 - very few garnets are pretty enough to be cut into gemstones for use in jewelry.  Most garnets are mined and then crushed to be used as industrial abrasives!

Odd garnet fact #3 - the most rare type of gem-grade garnet is the color-change garnet.  We have a lovely specimen in the gallery in a ring made by Seattle master metalsmith Sarah Gascoigne.  It looks red indoors, but turns an interesting warm brown in the sunlight.

Gascoigne's Color-Change Garnet Ring

We've got garnet necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings by a variety of Manya Vee Selects artists in a variety of price points.  The selection is quite high at the moment because of January, but also because it's a lovely piece of jewelry to give your lover for Valentine's Day - which is just around the corner!  Check out this smattering of jewelry choices.

Left: Garnet Swing Necklace by Ed Levin Jewelry
Center: Garnet necklace and earring set by Manya Vee Jewelry
Right: Two Rings by Bill Booze.  Earrings by Shari Both Jewelry.

We've got a shelf devoted to nothing but garnet, and you're just seeing a small few here.  Come on by to see them all and see which one has to become yours!

Manya Vee

manyaveeselects.com

Manya Vee Selects
409 Main St, Edmonds WA  98020
425-776-3778