An Introduction To The Garnet Gemstones History

By John S Stewart


All through the ages of time, Garnet Jewellery of Garnet Rings, Garnet Earrings and Garnet Pendants, have been used as a charm of faith and truth. They are the birthstone for the month of January, and are used for any type of 2nd anniversary. They were used to guide Noah and his Ark through danger in the floods.



Garnets Poem

"By her who is this month was born

No gem save garnets shall be worn

They will ensure her constancy

True friendship and fidelity."

The various types of garnet gemstone available are known as Almandite, Andradite, Cachemirine, Grape, Grossular, Imperial, Malaya, Mandarin, Mozambique, Pyrope, Rhodolite, Spessartine and Umbalite, and range in colour from rich red to bright orange and even lime green. Researchers can calculate where exactly specific examples are mined, from due to the amount of heat that a stone has endured, after volcanic eruption has taken place in that area.

History Of Garnets Through Time

All from the beginning of time, the garnet has been linked to so many legends and possible myths.

They have been adored by Royalty, from Russian Czars, to Mary Queen of Scots, to Queen Victoria. They have been often mistaken for that of the rubies, but have always been thought to be able to drive away evil spirits and nightmares. St.John and his Crusading Knights were presented them to wear on their journeys by family, in the hope that they would protect them while away bring back them home safe. Tribes men from the Indian province of Kashmir once used bullets made from these gems to fight the English Army in the believe that they would cause more harm to the enemy.

Greek Times:

Garnet jewellery was found in Greece around 400 BC and has been highly prized there since, but more specifically signet rings were found here set with these stones. It is believed that Greeks were the first to use garnet in jewellery. The Greeks were also thought to provide the different classification for the family of garnet gemstones.

The Egyptian History:

Garnets and garnet jewellery was buried in tombs of Pharaohs, so as to guide them with their mystical lights through the underworld after their death. They were found in various types of jewellery throughout Egypt from as far back as approximately 3120 BC.

The Bible:

Around 1200 years BC, the Bible states that Moses was asked by God during his 40 days and nights spent in the wilderness, to manufacture a breast plate for the High Priest Aaron, and he did so with the addition of 12 garnet stones. In the year 1300 BC, twelve stones were chosen to represent all the tribes of Israel, with one of them being this gem for the tribe of Judah, who was one of the sons of Jacob. Noah was thought to have utilised their magical and mystical lights to show the way to safety for his Ark and the animals it was carrying. King Solomon and his fighting men were believed to have worn these gems during battle to provide them with safety and victory. It was also chosen to be one of the gems that would celebrate the birth months.

The Middle Ages and Mediaeval Times:

During these times the gemstone was used to fight off various diseases and infections of the blood stream, and it was used to prevent poisoning and from being bitten by poisonous animals. Doctors of the days always carried with them many garnets, in order to aid these treatments when necessary. During these times it was linked to many spiritual and astrological beliefs, as well as the healing by use of crystals.

Summary

Throughout the rest of history, right through to present day, this gem has been loved and still used by many for some of the uses previously mentioned, and has adorned many different styles of jewellery. The Victorian's and Edwardian's used it to great effect in their manufacture of large and ornate designs, that are still replicated today.

Many thanks for finding the time to read my short insight in to the garnet, I hope you found it interesting.




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