Cylinder Garnet Necklace

The Stone: Garnet from the Almandine-Pyrope Series

Garnet is not a single mineral species but a whole group of nesosilicates. The deep red members come from the solid solution series between almandine, an iron aluminum silicate, and pyrope, the magnesium-rich end member. Both crystallize in the cubic system and have no cleavage, which is why the stone can be cut and polished very cleanly. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, it is one of the harder gemstones and is well suited to everyday wear. Its name goes back to the Latin granatum, the pomegranate, whose seeds show exactly this deep red. Its glassy luster is typical and brings the stone to life even in low light.

Material and Craftsmanship

You can choose between 925 sterling silver and a warm 14K gold-filled chain. 14K gold-filled is a real, thick layer of gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal. Unlike simple gold plating, which is applied only wafer-thin, wears off over time, and fades fairly quickly, 14K gold-filled keeps its warm gold tone for years. The garnet is cut into a slim cylinder with a hexagonal cross-section, pointed at both ends, and drilled crosswise. That way, it sits directly on the box chain, whose square links interlock closely, with no setting and no bail. I string each necklace individually by hand. You choose the length 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. Red garnets have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and later in Roman jewelry. In the 19th century, Bohemian pyropes were so sought after that they were shipped all the way to America. By tradition, the stone stands for devotion, loyalty, and constancy. As the birthstone for January, it also makes a particularly personal gift.

Caring for Your Garnet Necklace

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

The garnet on this necklace is a genuine natural stone whose color and luster were treated afterward. I want to be upfront with you about that. So don't clean the stone in an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam bath, and protect it from high heat and sudden changes in temperature. Store the necklace dry and apart from harder pieces of jewelry, and its deep red will stay beautiful for a long time.