In ancient Egypt, garnets were a staple in jewelry and amulets, prized for both their captivating color and their protective qualities. The frequent inclusion of garnets in royal regalia and sacred artifacts speaks volumes about their esteemed status and long-standing historical significance. This ancient connection to divinity and power reinforces garnet's reputation as a gemstone that bridges the gap between earthly beauty and spiritual symbolism.

Tip #15- Matching bands: When choosing a gemstone engagement ring, it is often a good idea to decide up front whether you will want a matching band for the engagement ring. You may decide that as a couple, you would like to have matching wedding bands. In that case then, you can select any gemstone engagement ring since it would not need to have a matching band. Often, once married, the lady will move the engagement ring to the right hand and wear the wedding band on the left hand. MyJewelrySource offers many gemstone engagement ring styles with matching bands. Some matching bands are contoured to sit flush and nestle right up next to the engagement ring. Some matching bands are straight on both sides, so that they can be used as a stand alone wedding band as well. We also have many one of a kind rings for which we do not show a matching band. For these styles, we can definitely create a matching band. All you need to do is ask. Another look that is gaining in popularity is the stand alone engagement ring. This ring is one that would be worn alone and serves as the engagement ring and wedding band. Some women prefer to have just one ring, or some will find that adding a band actually becomes too much for the finger. So it's nice to consider how you will want to wear your gemstone engagement ring and wedding band as you are making your selection.

The garnet is a symbol of friendship, love and devotion. Legend holds that Noah used the brilliant stone as a boat lamp. Garnets are found in red, pink, purple, orange, yellow and green. MyJewelrySource.com offers red, pink (rhodolite), orange (spessartite) and green (tsavorite) garnets. It is also the birthstone for January and the suggested gift for the second anniversary. Garnets are mined in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Madagascar, among others. Garnet rates 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 on the Mohs scale of hardness

Cutting is the most basic enhancement method necessary to display the beauty of a gemstone. Garnets are not known to have any other method of enhancement. The red, orange, and green colors, among others, of garnet are natural.

Red garnet is readily available in carat weights over 1 carat. Spessartite and tsavorite garnet are much more rare and sizes over 1 carat are important. Red, rhodolite and spessartite garnet are expected to be free of inclusions. Tsavorite, since it is so rare, is accepted with inclusions provided that they are not too obtrusive. Spessartite is most desirable in a bright orange color. Hues of brown and red in spessartite lessen the value of the stone. MyJewelrySource.com offers all of these garnet varieties and our gemstones are of very high quality and in desirable sizes.

Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Avoid sudden temperature changes, steaming and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or household chemicals. Your garnet jewelry may be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth with plain or soapy water.