Garnet with clear striking shades of red and orange has been admired by many civilizations for thousands of years. Garnet has always been appreciated not only for its beauty, but also for its special qualities since ancient times it was used as an amulet, and modern jewelry has crowned the garnet a queen. At this stage, let us explore the history of Garnet and appreciate how this gemstone has continued to be associated with strength, love and wealth or luxury.
It is worthwhile telling the story of Garnet Stone starting with the ancient civilizations; for this stone was considered something more than an exquisite gem. It was thought to shield and heal its wearer and as a result was utilized in amulets by warriors, tourists and kings.
Garnet in Ancient Egypt
During ancient Egyptian times Garnet was employed in beads for amulets, rings and burial ornaments. Due to its deep red color, it was used to symbolize life, vitality and the after life. Garnet was also used in the burial of Pharaohs with the belief that the material would protect the; PHaraoh while on the other side. The egyptian craftsmen would then could carve Garnet into beautiful patterns imagining the stone contained the strength to defend the respectively, life, death’s spirits.
Roman Signet Rings
Garnets were prized most importantly by the nobility of Rome where they were used to make signet rings. Such rings, as many of you probably know, served not only aesthetic purposes; they had practical uses as well. Romans also employed Garnet rings with wax for sealing documents as several documents meant to show the authority of the wearer. Because the gemstone was found as a daily use item, its beauty was the richness of color and power.
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Garnet in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Garnet was not used in the way it is today. It has been the custom among the European knights and crusaders to carry Garnet as protective charm in the battlefield. Garnet was considered to help avoid injuries or even poisoning. It used the stone to illustrate the kind of courage and the stand of the generation to come as they fought for valor.
Key Historical Uses of Garnet:
- The functions of protective amulets and the significance of vitality for the Egyptian people
- Sealing signs rings for documents and authorities
- The medieval pieces of charm which were worn by knights during the warfare to bring them courage
Garnet in Renaissance and Victorian Jewelry
Moving forward to the Renaissance, more people considered Garnet as their special preference. It was a sign of love and was being used for giving purposes, especially from one person to another. Crown jewelry of this period was ornate and the themes were tender and emotionally connected to Garnet and the heart. Always keep your Garnet pieces away from stones like Opal stone or hard stones like Moonstone & Moldavite in soft pouches separately to avoid scratches in between.
Garnet in the Victorian Era
Per their use as described above, garnet went through a massive popularity during the Victorian period. Queen Victoria herself was a fan of the gemstone , she wore Garnet brooches, necklaces and rings. Victorian jewelry designers favored Garnet for their creativity, employing a complex design of intricate enshrinement that often featured this gemstone set in gold, giving the jewelry the warmth of Victorian times that it is loved for.
Garnet was considered an accessory for the rich, as well as, for its significance in love, fidelity and protection. Garnet was also considered an antiderivative means – it was believed that the stone embodied the wisdom and energy of the previous periods.
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Garnet in Modern Jewelry: A Timeless Gemstone
Today Garnet is equally popular with people and appreciated for its availability of all kinds of colors and history of centuries. But the deep red of Garnet is perhaps the most familiar to everyone while the new breed of jewelry designers have taken Garnet in all its shades from the beautiful green Tsavorite to the fire orange of a Spessartite.
Conclusion
For such reasons, Garnet was used as an amulet from ancient Egyptian time and up to modern jewelry. Its history is proof of its continued popularity, and requirement for it by consumers, and its qualitatively inherent simple and elegant beauty. Garnet is now appreciated either as an easily accessible piece of mysticism from the ancient times or as a sleek and elegant ornament of the present day.
