Let's Talk About Beads 101: Garnet

Welcome to the latest installment of Delightful Gems. This is where we dive into different topics related to jewelry and running a small jewelry business. 

We're continuing with our Let's Talk About Beads 101 series, where we explore different types of beads. This time around we'll be covering garnet. 

Garnet is the official birthstone for January. It is known for its beautiful, deep red color. Garnet's name is derived from the Latin word granatum, which means pomegranate seed. 

Garnet has been a popular stone throughout the ages. Garnets were used during the Bronze Age (300 BC) in burial jewelry. They were also used in carved signet rings during that time to proclaim royalty. The Vikings and Anglo-Saxons believed garnets improved their fighting prowess. In the middle ages, it was believed that garnet was a guard against poison. Eastern European folktales mention wearing garnets around the neck to guard against vampires. In Victorian times, it was used in engagement rings and other women's jewelry, to mark fidelity in love.

Garnet is said to symbolize fertility and feminine life force. Garnets are also believed to aid in the healing of broken bonds of love. Some people also believe that garnet can attract people to the wearer, helping to provide personal and business success. This is especially beneficial to people wanting to start home businesses. 

Garnet has a Mohs hardness rating of 7 to 7 1/2, meaning it is fairly durable. However, it is still important to protect garnet from extreme temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and strong impact. 

Garnet can be found found in Madagascar, Africa, Pakistan, Russia, South America, India, and the United States.

We hope this exploration of garnet has been insightful. If you haven't already, check out other blog entries for more informational content.