top of page
SoBi & Co vintage and antique jewellery logo

GARNET JEWELLERY GUIDE

Garnets are admired for their deep, rich red tones, though they can be found in a spectrum of colours from green to orange. A favourite in Georgian and Victorian jewellery, garnets remain a meaningful choice for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and collectable antique pieces.

garnet and diamond vintage ring

THE HISTORY OF GARNETS

Garnets have been treasured for thousands of years, used in ancient Roman signet rings and jewellery. They became especially popular in Georgian and Victorian eras, often cut into cabochons and used in cluster rings, brooches, and mourning jewellery. In the Art Deco period, garnets were set into bold, geometric designs, while mid-century cocktail rings often featured large garnet centre stones.

 

THE MEANING OF GARNETS

Known as the stone of passion and devotion, garnets symbolise love, energy, and vitality. They are the birthstone for January and traditionally gifted for the 2nd wedding anniversary, making them a romantic choice for jewellery with sentiment.

GARNETS IN ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE JEWELLERY

  • Georgian & Victorian: Garnet cabochon cluster rings, lockets, and mourning jewellery.

  • Edwardian: Garnets paired with seed pearls or diamonds in delicate settings.

  • Art Deco: Garnets cut into geometric shapes for bold modern designs.

  • Mid-century: Statement cocktail rings with large garnet centre stones.

CARING FOR YOUR GARNET JEWELLERY

Garnets are moderately durable (6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale), but care should be taken to preserve their shine.

  • Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals.

  • Store separately to prevent scratches from harder gems.

From Victorian garnet clusters to bold Art Deco statement rings, garnets are timeless gemstones that embody love, energy, and enduring beauty.

EXPLORE ALL GEMSTONE GUIDES...

diamond vintage ring

DIAMOND 

JEWELLERY GUIDE

emerald and diamond antique necklace

EMERALD

JEWELLERY GUIDE

18ct Gold Natural Pearl Necklace

PEARL 

JEWELLERY GUIDE

peridot filigree vintage silver ring

PERIDOT

JEWELLERY GUIDE

art deco ring

AQUAMARINE

JEWELLERY GUIDE

ruby antique ring

RUBY

JEWELLERY GUIDE

amethyst vintage ring

AMETHYST

JEWELLERY GUIDE

garnet and diamond vintage ring

GARNET

JEWELLERY GUIDE

citrine and seed pearl antique gold ring

CITRINE

JEWELLERY GUIDE

tanzanite silver vintage ring

TANZANITE

JEWELLERY GUIDE

sapphire and diamond antique ring

SAPPHIRE 

JEWELLERY GUIDE

Late 19th Century 9ct Gold Opal Ring

OPAL

JEWELLERY GUIDE

Vintage 9ct Gold Topaz & CZ Halo Ring

TOPAZ

JEWELLERY GUIDE

rolled gold and pink paste stone art nouveau antique necklace

PASTE

JEWELLERY GUIDE

moissanite vintage silver ring

MOISSANITE DIAMOND

JEWELLERY GUIDE

a2638f66-c5ad-49f1-9ded-5da0080a15e4.png

TOURMALINE

JEWELLERY GUIDE

EXPLORE THE ERAS...

tudor house

Photo by david Griffiths on Unsplash

Just as every gemstone carries meaning, every era tells its own story of style, symbolism, and craftsmanship. Our Eras Guides explore the history of antique and vintage jewellery eras from the romantic detailing of the Victorian period to the bold lines of Art Deco design and beyond. Discover how each era shaped engagement rings, wedding jewellery, and timeless gifts that continue to inspire today. Explore the Eras Guides...

bottom of page