Garnet

January’s birthstone is easily the most variable and
versatile of all birthstones. While most think of garnets as a red stone, there
are varieties of garnet in virtually every hue, including blue thanks to a
relatively recent discovery of color-changing blue garnets in Madagascar.
Garnets have been used in ornamentation since at least the time of the
Egyptians.

Learn more about the January birthstone

Buying garnets

Color

The ideal color for garnet depends on its color – which may
seem a bit circular. As with any gemstone, the most valued stones are those
that are neither too dark or too light. Therefore, the most valued red garnet is
a deep, rich wine red that is transparent enough to show the ‘heart of fire’ -
the flashy sparkle for which garnets are known. Orange garnets should be pure,
brilliant tangerine with no muddy brown or greenish undertones, and green
garnets closer to grass green than olive green.

The blue color change garnets from Madagascar have the
potential to become one of the most expensive varieties of gemstone in the
world, priced at thousands of dollars per carat. Green garnets are generally
relatively inexpensive, with the exception of tsavorite garnets and demantoids,
which rival emeralds for color and clarity and can cost well over $1000 per
carat. In general though, good quality garnets are affordable for nearly
everyone, making them an excellent birthstone.

Specifics about garnets

Demantoids are green
garnets mined in Russia. They often have ‘horsetail’ inclusions, which, when
well-defined and evenly included, add a stunning velvety texture to the fiery
stone.

Madagascar garnets display
a higher degree of ‘pleochroism’ – the tendency to change color in different
lights – than alexandrite, which are known for their color change properties.

Garnet care

With a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and no known
cleavages, garnets are hard, durable stones, though they are susceptible to
chipping and cracking from hard blows.

Everyday caution

You should take care to protect your garnet jewelry from knocks
and chips by removing rings and pendants before doing any work which might put
the stone in danger of being hit. In addition, chemicals from cosmetics,
lotions and hairsprays can dull the shine, so leave the rings, earrings and
necklaces off until after you’re done with the makeup.

Storing garnet jewelry

In your jewelry box, store garnet jewelry
in its own compartment or in a cloth bag to prevent damage either to or from
other pieces of jewelry. Garnet is not susceptible to color change from light
or heat exposure, but care should be taken to avoid exposing it to other
chemicals.

Cleaning your garnet

Clean occasionally with a soft, dry cloth. With the
exception of the more expensive forms, garnet can be cleaned in an ultrasonic
jewelry cleaner. Avoid exposing garnets to harsh chemicals and extreme
temperatures, both of which can damage the gem.