Teardrop Garnet Necklace

The Stone: Red Garnet from the Garnet Group

Garnet is the name of a group of related nesosilicates that all grow in the cubic crystal system. The deep red stones used in jewelry usually belong to the solid solution series between almandine, an iron aluminum silicate, and the magnesium-rich pyrope. Garnet has no cleavage and reaches a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, which is why it can be polished especially smoothly and is well suited to everyday wear. The name comes from the Latin granatum, the pomegranate, whose seeds its color recalls. The teardrop on this garnet necklace glows in a rich, dark red that lights up warmly against the light.

Material and Craftsmanship of the Teardrop Garnet Necklace

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and the warm tone of 14K gold-filled. 14K gold-filled is a real, thick layer of gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal. Unlike simple gold plating, which is only a wafer-thin surface layer and can wear off and fade over time, 14K gold-filled keeps its warm gold tone for years with good care. The garnet is polished into a soft teardrop shape and drilled crosswise, so it sits directly on the fine box chain without a setting and stays centered as you wear it. Without facets, the deep red glows as soon as light passes through the stone. I select each stone individually and string it by hand. The teardrop measures about 13 to 14 mm (about 0.5 in), and you choose the chain length, with a spring ring clasp, when you order: 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in).

Meaning of the Stone

Garnet is one of the oldest gemstones known to humankind. Jewelry with red garnet has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and in the 19th century Bohemian garnet jewelry was sought after all over Europe. By tradition, the stone stands for loyalty and constancy. As the birthstone for January, the Teardrop Garnet Necklace makes a very personal gift, and for yourself it is a piece that matches your month. As a slim cylinder, you'll find garnet in the Cylinder Garnet Necklace. The January Birthstone collection shows every January piece, and the birthstone guide explains all twelve birthstones.

Caring for Your Garnet Necklace

The pendant and chain are water-resistant and made for everyday wear. To make your necklace last as long as possible, you should still avoid prolonged contact with salt water and chlorinated water, as well as perfume, lotions, and harsh cleaning products. After swimming in the ocean or a pool, it's best to rinse the necklace with clean water and dry it carefully.

Don't clean the garnet in an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam bath, and protect it from high heat and sudden changes in temperature. Its hardness makes it robust in everyday life, but it still doesn't like hard knocks. Store the necklace dry and apart from harder pieces of jewelry, and its deep red will stay beautiful for a long time.

Since antiquity, garnet has been seen as a stone of devotion. By tradition, it stands for loyalty and constancy, and as the birthstone for January it makes a personal gift.

100% genuine garnet
- 925 sterling silver or 14K gold-filled
- Fine box chain with spring ring clasp, your choice of 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in)
- Stone size: about 13 to 14 mm (about 0.5 in)
- Pendant and chain are water-resistant
- January birthstone