Colors, history, myth, and facts about garnets.

1. January’s Birthstone

2.  Garnets are available in many colors with shades of
Facts about red being the most common and blue the most rare.
Garnets  Tsavorite and Demantoid garnets are greens and
cost more than other colors.
 Rhodolite is a red colored garnet and, although
striking, is not as costly as the greens.
 Brighter shades generally cost more than darker
shades – translucence is key.
 Hue can be strongly influenced by light source.

3. Facts about Garnets Garnets are a family of gem stone
that have the same structure, but
different chemical makeup.
Garnets are the birthstone for
January
Most people don’t realize that
garnets come in a variety of
colors.

4. Demantoid garnets  Demantoid garnets can exceed the
“brilliance” of a diamond – the sparkle
and color speak to the high quality
Rough demantoid within the garnet family.
 As with any gem stone, a good cut
cannot make up for poor color or
clarity in a garnet.
Polished demantoid
 Look for garnets that are “eye clean”
and without noticeable inclusions.
Vintage demantoid pin

5. Tsavorite Garnet
 In 2006, the largest tsavorite in
the world was discovered near
Rough tsavorite
Arusha, Tanzania: 120.68 cts.
 Most garnets are under 5 carats.
 Of course, size affects the cost
Polished tsavorite
per carat. For example, a 5 carat
stone will cost significantly more
per carat than a 2 carat stone.
Tsavorite & diamond
ring

6. Rhodolite Garnet
 Rhodolite garnets are never treated
because of their red-violet color and
Rough rhodolite freedom from inclusions
 Garnets with murky color can be heated
for enhancement which lowers the cost.
Polished rhodolite
 David Pierson Designs carries gems for
every budget, including a selection of
garnets.
White gold, diamond &
rhodolite ring

10. Usually a mixture of pyrope and
spessartite, these garnets display
different colors dependent on the
type of light; a rare, valued
phenomenon. Green or bluish green
to red or purple is the most
dramatic change. The color change
garnet has been found in Kenya and
Madagascar and prices range from
about $500 to $1,000 per carat,
depending on size, color and clarity.

11.  For thousands of years, Garnets have been widely treasured. Noah reportedly used
a lantern from garnet in order to safely steer his Ark. Explorers and travelers
wore garnets for protection, because garnets were thought to illuminate darkness
and prevent evil.
 Garnet jewelry exists from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras to the Middle
Ages when the garnet was assigned to the planets Mars, Mercury and Pluto. This
holds true in the esoteric movement of today.
 Healing power of gems remains controversial, but for centuries healers, shamans and
medicine men have used them. Garnet is said to be of help for arthritis, pancreatitis
and varicose veins. The safest, most common medical approach is to wear the
gemstone in contact with the troubled part of the body.
 David Pierson Designs doesn’t guarantee your health will improve with
your garnet purchase, but we promise a good feeling for both the giver
and the receiver, since both of you know you’ve gotten the highest
quality beauty for the best price