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Gemstone
Highlight: Garnet
Garnet is one of the most recognizable gemstones out there, with its deep red, almost black color (although some varieties, like the one shown in the photo, are orange or even green). It's a very self-contained sort of gem; you often have to look carefully to see the color within it. From a jewelry perspective, garnet is a foil for many other gemstones. I like to pair it with pearls and peridot; Jamaila pairs hers with labradorite. Its deep color provides a sensual background for other stones. Since garnet is a reasonably common stone, its history is even more interesting than some of the spectacularly rare gemstones. For example, this page claims that "in India during a rebellion on the Kashmir territory, tribal soldiers fired at the British army with garnet bullets. The effect of this type of ammunition was thought to be more fatal and more efficient for battle." Garnet has also been used in jewelry for thousands of years, of course. This American Mineralogist article describes a fascinating search for the origins of garnet used in early French royal trappings. Be sure to check out the diagram that shows how Early Middle Ages jewelry consisted of thin layers of gemstone, foil and paste surrounded by precious metals. From a metaphysical standpoint, garnet is believed to draw earth energy into and move energy throughout the body. It purifies and cleanses, and stimulates life force and fertility. Back to Articles and Tips |
