Garnets: Natural treasures now in modern designs

Garnets have a special status in the Czech Republic which is due to their wonderful history and classic, deep red color. In reality, however, garnets are not just one specific stone but a whole group of minerals that can differ significantly in terms of their properties and color. So, let's take a closer look now at this very Czech gemstone.

Why choose garnets

First and foremost, their color will captivate you, ranging from shades of dark burgundy to violet-pink. But in addition to the way they look, you’ll also appreciate their practicality. On the Mohs scale, their hardness sits at around 6.5–7.5, which makes them a relatively durable stone, but any stones that have inclusions can in fact be more fragile. As well as being relatively hardy, garnets are also very versatile when paired with different colors of gold and this creates a wide range of options. They form an interesting contrast and look very modern with white gold while rose gold softens their appearance and makes them look romantic. Yellow gold, on the other hand, enhances their intense color and adds a classic, warm touch to them. This versatility means that garnets will work well in any jewelry collection.

But garnets also have a wonderful history. For centuries they have been associated with passion, strength, and protection. They hold a special place in the heart of Czech people due to the long tradition of mining and garnet jewelry making in this country that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was then that garnets became a favorite stone of local goldsmiths and to this day they remain one of the most sought-after gemstones. 

From a gemological point of view, garnets are a mineral that comes in a wide range of colors and chemical compositions. They are known for their brilliance and natural color intensity, which doesn’t need to be modified in any way. Garnets are popular with jewelers for their natural luster and durability and they make an excellent gift for anniversaries or special occasions, offering an original alternative to more traditional gemstones.

Garnets in a variety of reds: Which ones do we feature in our jewelry?

The garnet is not just one specific stone, but a whole group of minerals that vary in color, composition, and luster. These include pyropes (dark red garnets, known as Bohemian garnets), almandines (wine-red ones), rhodolites (pinkish-purple colored), green tsavorites, orange spessartines, and demantoids, which are highly valued for their brilliance. The color of garnets depends primarily on whether they contain any iron, manganese, or chromium since it is the presence of these elements that gives individual stones their unique color.

At KLENOTA, we focus on almandine and rhodolite varieties of garnet which excel for their color and clarity and beautifully suit modern jewelry styles. We work with these two varieties not only due to their elegant colors but also because they allow for greater versatility when it comes to the cut. This gives us the freedom to design jewelry in more expressive shapes.

Almandines have a deep, warm burgundy color and incredible saturation. They stand out best when set into gold – whether yellow or rose – and looks both elegant and striking.

An example is a gold ring with garnets and diamonds in yellow gold, which pairs a classic shape with the soft sparkle of diamonds. The yellow gold accentuates the warm colors of the garnet and creates a harmonious, balanced piece of jewelry suitable for everyday wear as well as special occasions.

Rhodolites, on the other hand, are a softer, more romantic color of red with a hint of pink to purple in them. They are popular for their modern appearance and versatility since they look wonderful in simple or bold designs. A beautiful example is these garnet earrings in white gold which stand out for their simplicity and clean workmanship. The white gold accentuates the red color of the stones and gives the jewelry a modern, timeless look. 

For lovers of understated elegance, a garnet and diamond necklace in white gold is the ideal accessory. It pairs a simple design with a small diamond that softly accentuates the brilliance of the stone.

If you like designs that are more distinctive, you will no doubt be captivated by this gold necklace with a pear garnet. The unique cut gives the jewelry a different quality while the yellow gold beautifully highlights the deep red color of the garnet.

What are "Czech garnets"?

The term "Czech garnet" refers to a variety of pyrope that has been mined in Bohemia since the Middle Ages. It is characterized by its intense red color and small size. It reached the peak of its popularity in the 19th century when it became a national symbol and it still has its place in traditional jewelry today. At KLENOTA, however, we work with other varieties of garnet, mainly because of their bigger range of sizes and options when it comes to modern jewelry making.

How to spot a quality garnet

When choosing garnet jewelry, there are three factors that play an important role: the color, cut, and clarity. The ideal color should be rich, even, and free of any unwanted colors or cloudiness. The cut affects the way the stone will sparkle and a good quality cut will enhance the brilliance, depth of color, and symmetry of the stone. Clarity refers to how many inclusions (natural "imperfections") the stone contains. These are not necessarily flaws but a clear stone will show off its color and brilliance better.

How to care for garnet jewelry

Although garnets are relatively durable, gentle regular care will help them retain their shine and color for many years. We recommend removing jewelry when doing housework, playing sports, or using cosmetics and perfumes as the chemicals and rough handling can negatively affect the surface of the stone and metal over time. 

For routine cleaning, lukewarm water with a drop of mild liquid soap and a soft brush are sufficient. After cleaning, rinse the jewelry and dry it with a soft cloth.

Read our detailed article on jewelry care if you’d like to learn more about taking care of your jewelry.