Garnet Gemstone Guide
Available in an array of rich, eye-catching colours, garnet is one of the most delightfully diverse of all gemstones. It's commonly found in deep red hues, but its palette also includes dazzling oranges, vibrant greens and saturated purples.
This stunning gemstone was used to make jewellery in ancient times and continues to be a popular choice for beautiful gemstone jewellery today.
What is a garnet?
GARNET QUICK GUIDE
- Green
- Green
- Pink
- Purplish
- Round
- Oval
- Cushion
- Mineral:
- Garnet Group
- Origins:
- India, China, Australia, United States
- Symbols:
- Love, Compassion, Loyalty
- Properties:
- Empathy
- Durability:
- 6.5 to 7.5
What to Look for in Garnet Gemstones
COLOUR
In most cases, the colour of a gemstone is its most important feature. Garnets come in a wide range of colours, from orangey-red to reddish-purple, with a deep, true red being the most popular. Some garnets come in colour-changing varieties, which look different under various light sources. The most desirable garnet gemstones have a pure, consistent colour throughout. Garnets with slight traces of other colours are usually more affordable but are still just as coveted and dazzling to look at.CUT
The variety of gemstone cuts showcase certain properties, such as their brilliance, colour, size or clarity. Garnets are often cut in styles that allow the gem to keep more of its weight. Popular shapes for garnets include round, oval, cushion, trillion and heart.CLARITY
Gemstone clarity refers to the number and visibility of trace materials—known as inclusions—that are present in most gemstones. Inclusions in red garnet species are usually invisible to the eye, making for clear colour and excellent irridescence. Orange garnet often has visible inclusions, typically making it a better value, but also adding to its charm.SIZE (CARAT)
When shopping for gemstones, it’s best to consider the gemstone size — the diameter of the stone in millimeters — rather than the carat weight. Diameter measurements tell you how much of your colourful garnet is visible from above. Rare garnet varieties are worth more at larger sizes, but the cost of common red garnet doesn't significantly increase with the diameter of the stone.ENHANCEMENT
Enhancements improve the colour and clarity of a gemstone. Most gemstones on the market are enhanced in some way, usually with heat treatment. Garnet stands out because it's a heat-sensitive gemstone and is rarely enhanced. We offer the highest quality gemstones treated using accepted techniques.
Hardness & Wearability
Choosing the Right Garnet Jewellery
With so many options available, it's easy to pick a one-of-a-kind piece of garnet jewellery to reflect your personality. Rich, deep red garnet is always a stand-out, and its high clarity further intensifies its transparency and shine. Rare purple and green garnet gemstones have the appeal of exclusivity.
In any of its colours, garnet is an ideal gemstone for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings or pendants. Consider which jewellery type best suits your style.
Famous Garnet Gemstones
How to Care for Your Garnet Jewellery
Learn More About Gemstones
Explore Education by Category
- Amethyst Engagement RingsAquamarine Engagement RingsEmerald Engagement RingsMoonstone Engagement RingsMorganite Engagement RingsOpal Engagement RingsPink Sapphire Engagement RingsRuby Engagement RingsSapphire Engagement RingsTanzanite Engagement RingsTopaz Engagement RingsAll Gemstone Engagement Ring Guides