A History of Garnet Jewelry and Its Meaning
For thousands of years, the garnet has been more than just a beautiful gemstone; it has served as a beacon of protection, a symbol of undying love, and a testament to human craftsmanship.
The history of garnet jewelry dates back to at least 3100 B.C. in Ancient Egypt, where pharaohs were buried with garnet necklaces and amulets as symbols of life and regeneration. The name "garnet" itself is rooted in the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a direct nod to the stone’s resemblance to the fruit’s vibrant, jewel-like seeds.
In the Greco-Roman world, garnets were prized for both utility and myth. Roman warriors wore them as protective talismans to ensure a safe return from battle, while scholars used them in signet rings to seal important documents.
Across civilizations, the garnet has carried profound spiritual and symbolic weight:
- Protection for Travelers: Known as the "Traveler’s Stone," it was historically believed to light up the night and protect its wearer from accidents and evil spirits during long journeys.
- A Promise of Return: According to Greek mythology, Hades gave Persephone pomegranate seeds (symbolized by garnets) to ensure her return to the underworld. This led to the tradition of friends exchanging garnets upon parting to guarantee they would meet again.
- Strength and Vitality: Its deep red color, often compared to blood and fire, has long associated the stone with physical strength, courage, and the life force.
- Sacred Light: Biblical legends suggest that Noah used a large, glowing garnet to light the Ark during the forty days of darkness.
Garnet’s popularity peaked during specific eras, leaving behind distinct styles that are highly sought after today:
- Bohemian Garnets (19th Century): Mined in the region of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), these garnets were often small and rose-cut, set closely together in elaborate, cluster-style designs that resembled pomegranate seeds.
- Victorian Sentimentality: Queen Victoria’s love for garnets made them a staple of the era. They were frequently used in mourning jewelry or as "love tokens" in the form of hearts and lockets to represent eternal devotion.
- Medieval "Carbuncles": In the Middle Ages, all red gemstones were referred to as "carbuncles," a term derived from the Latin for "little coal." These stones were often set into the crowns and scepters of royalty as symbols of divine favor and wealth.
Visit our stock of antique and vintage garnet jewelry.