The deep crimson hue of the garnet isn’t the only thing dramatic around this ancient stone – it also possesses a rich history that spans centuries. In ancient times, the garnet was adored by Egyptian pharaohs and queens, who blanketed themselves in the lavish red jewels. These highly prized stones were even buried with theme to accompany their souls into the afterlife, serving as an eternal status symbol. In ancient Rome, Clergy and nobility used impressive garnet signet rings as personal stamps for official documents. Today, the crimson jewel is popularly known as the January birthstone, renowned for both its luxurious color and brilliant refractive index.
While the garnet is best known for its crimson hue, it can also be found naturally in a wide array of colors. Vibrant oranges, heavily saturated greens, intense yellows - the garnet can be found in nearly every hue. Furthermore, garnets are also rich in rarities, including star garnets and color changing stones.
Of all the colors of garnets, Mandarin orange is one of the rarest and most exotic. First discovered in Namibia in 1991, the stone quickly rose in popularity, becoming one of the most coveted hues in this extraordinary stone and grabbing the attention of the international gemstone market. Buyers, connoisseurs, and all else clamored for a sighting of the fiery-orange. With a personality all its own, the rich, vivacious hues of a deep orange garnet make a bold statement.
This pair of 17.85-carat Mandarin garnet earrings are comprised of two perfectly matched gemstones that are highlighted by dazzling white diamonds. Embodying the radiance for which these gemstones are coveted, these Mandarin garnets contain no heat treatment, making the gemstones completely natural in appearance: a rarity. Exemplifying the strong refractive rating typical to the Mandarin garnet, this gemstone sparkles to its fullest potential even in the dimmest light conditions.
This stunning Mandarin garnet pendant is the perfect match to the earrings. The monumental 15.01-carat trilliant-cut stone is encircled by a halo of white diamonds, all set in platinum. The pendant’s remarkable color is completely natural as the stone has not undergone any heat treatment, making this stone’s beauty as rare as it is brilliant.
A jewel of marvelous variety, the garnet is an exceptional gemstone that commands great consideration and boasts high admiration. Other garnets, particularly of the warm, rich red color variety also hold a tradition and history that is as important to that of the mandarin garnet. Often worn as a talisman and protective stone in ancient times and heralded by Noah's use of a warm red garnet lantern to steer his ark through the night, garnets of this red hue spark immense enthusiasm and attention. Those garnets displaying sumptuous color, vibrancy, and size found in M.S. Rau Antiques’ selection of rare jewels are some of the finest colored gemstones to be found.
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