THE CHOICE OF GARNET BRACELETS

Head into the stars with the collection of garnet bracelets. Discover various models with all types of bracelets: bangles, tennis, cords or even chains give pride of place to rhodolite garnet, a fine stone with an indescribable colour whose reflections oscillate between pink, red and purple. The garnet bracelet collection brings together different styles. Stone of the month of January, garnet is offered to all natives of the month of January and to fans of fine gems in flamboyant colours. Ideal for enhancing the radiance of the skin, the garnet pendant   can be worn on a daily basis as for special occasions. Associated with rose gold or yellow gold, it acquires an aura full of gaiety. The handcrafted jewelry design of our Garnet Bracelet Sterling Silver gives it an upscale feel. Take a look at the collection of garnet bracelets right away.  

NAME OF GARNET

The name ” Garnet ” probably comes from the Latin word for “grain”, alluding to the rounded shape of the rough stones found. At the microscopic level, however, Garnet crystals exhibit a cubic structure. The name “Garnet” could also come from the similarity of colour with the pomegranate (fruit): indeed, red is one of the most frequent colours for Garnet.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GARNET

Garnets are aluminous or calcium silicates, the composition of which varies greatly depending on the variety and colour of the Garnet.

ORIGIN OF GARNET

The different varieties of Garnet come from different regions of the world: India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

HISTORY OF GARNET

Red Garnet (Mozambique Garnet, Rhodolite Garnet), is undoubtedly the best known of the garnet varieties. It is found in many old tales; in Greek mythology for example, it is mentioned in particular in the legend of the abduction of Persephone by Hades. It is also mentioned in Jewish and Muslim traditions, where they are always a symbol of light, but also of loyalty and truth.

Of course, they are not confined to tales and legends; they have also always been appreciated for their beauty and used to adorn jewellery. The Vikings used them as funerary ornamentation, to guide the dead to Valhalla. The Crusaders adorn their Armor with it, because they are supposed to strengthen its protection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Garnet was very fashionable; the Bohemian garnets in particular, coming from deposits of the Czech Republic, were particularly appreciated in Europe.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GARNET

Despite their crystalline structure and similar chemical composition, Garnets exhibit a very wide variety of colours; this is due to the different chromium-bearing elements (iron, manganese, magnesium, chromium, etc.) that its different varieties contain.

Thus, Garnet can take on colours ranging from purple to chocolate, through green, orange, yellow, pink and red. In total, there are nearly forty Garnets which are historically and commercially recognized.

GARNET MAINTENANCE

The different varieties of Garnet should be kept away from extreme temperatures, thermal shock being likely to cause damage to the gem.

VARIETIES OF GARNET

MOZAMBIQUE GARNET

Mozambique Garnet (from the name of its geographical origin), can be described as a “classic” variety, exhibiting a characteristic red colour and similar to that of a dark ruby.

THE COLOUR CHANGING GARNET

Certain garnets exhibit a colour change effect: this is the case of colour-changing garnets from Tanzania and Madagascar, as well as Kamtonga garnet, from Kenya. These colour-changing garnets have only been known since the 1970s. Those coming in particular from the valley of Umba in Tanzania, Bekily in the south of Madagascar or Kamtonga in Kenya have contributed to the awareness of the public to the extraordinary peculiarities of these gems. These garnets generally exhibit a colour change ranging from bluish green to red-violet, or khaki green or red-brown. The colour change is usually the result of a high content of vanadium, but other chromium elements such as chromium, manganese, magnesium and iron. Unfortunately, such garnets are extremely rare. Those who hold them in hand immediately fall under their spell.

MALAYA GARNET

The Garnet Malaya is, to this day, exploited in only one place: East Africa, where it was discovered for the first time. This African beauty has an intense orange colour, sometimes mixed with a hint of pink. For a very long time, this garnet was underestimated on the market; this rejection echoed the very name of this variety of garnet, which comes from the Swahili term “Malaya”, meaning “outlaw”. It was not until the 1960s that the subtle and feminine beauty of this gem was recognized, which was truly introduced to the market by its American enthusiasts, and has since continued to gain new followers for its cause.

SPESSARTITE GARNET

Reddish or red-orange, the Garnet Spessartite or Spessartine is named after its original deposit, located in the Bavarian Spessart. After its discovery, in the 9th century, other deposits were discovered, notably in Virginia. Today it is also exploited in Australia, Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Zambia; Aileen’s imports its Spessartite Garnets mainly from Nigeria.

RHODOLITE GARNET

A magnificent red characterizes the Rhodolite Garnet, which Aileen’s brings back from Tanzania, Sri Lanka or India. In 1882, the famous mineralogist George Frederick Kunz discovered this little gem in North Carolina, and named it after the rhododendrons of the neighbouring mountains, which like him present a charming mixture of pink, red and purple.

RASPBERRY RHODOLITE GARNET

The more recently discovered variety of Rhodolite Raspberry Garnet, presents magnificent tones of very feminine reds, which have helped to raise this Garnet from Tanzania to the rank of “Queen of Garnets”. It is currently considered by experts to be the most valuable variety of Garnet available on the market.

HESSONITE GARNET

Hessonite Garnet is another variety of Garnet, with a rich honey orange colour. Eye-clean Hessonite Garnets are rare; the characteristic inclusions give this little gem (also called “Cinnamon Stone”) a charming caramel appearance. This is what made it popular among the Hindus, Greeks and Romans. The traditional deposits of Hessonite Garnet are found in Sri Lanka; very beautiful specimens are also found in Tanzania.

MAGENTA GARNET

Magenta Garnet is a fairly rare variety of Pyrope Garnet, which, as the name suggests, has a deep magenta colour. Normally red, the colour of the pyrope is sometimes pink or slightly purple like this Magenta Garnet. This variety often contains Almandine molecules and small chromium inclusions which give this colour to the gem.

THE DEMANTOID GARNET

Besides the popular varieties of red and orange, Garnets can also feature vibrant shades of green. The intense greens of Demantoid Garnet were discovered in 1855, and named by Dr. Nordenskjöld, the same who had previously classified Alexandrite. The traditional source of this Garnet is in the Urals. Aileen’s now obtains his gems from Madagascar; these are the Demantoid Garnets of Ambanja, named after the town near which they are found. This Garnet is coloured by iron and / or chrome, depending on its colour.

TSAVORITE GARNET

Another green wonder is Tsavorite Garnet; Campbell R. Bridges discovered and named it after Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Besides this country, Kenya is also a producer of this variety of Garnet. Tsavorite Garnet is sometimes called the “King of Garnets”, which seems justified in view of its splendid colour. It is often compared to the Emerald; in fact, Tsavorite Garnet is much rarer than Green Beryl.