Gem Exploration: Taking Care of Your Gems

Gem Exploration: Garnet

There are many different colors of garnets. I find it so amazing how when it first comes out of the Earth it looks so, well, boring. It's fascinating how after it's polished and cut how beautiful the stone can be. The picture* below shows a few different colors of garnets before and after they are faceted!
What is your favorite color? 
I really love the Rhodolite Garnet! I think that color of magenta pink is fabulous! Many people love the berry color of the garnets because it closely resembles a ruby, but garnets are not as expensive as a ruby, so it's the next best thing!

Facts:

--Garnets come mostly from Africa these days. There are a few other mines in Russia, India & Central and South America.
--Garnets are one of the only stones that do not require special enhancements to be beautiful. Once they are polished and cut, their beauty is all theirs!

 

How To Take Care Of Your Garnet Jewelry::

--Always take off your jewelery when washing your hands with soap or putting on lotions.
--Never use a steamer to clean your garnets. The hot temperatures could fracture the stone.
--Use warm water, not hot, to clean your garnets. Use just a little mild soap and a soft brush to clean the stones & be sure to rinse well. Then dry with a lint free towel.

*Pictures above are from Hershel Friedman and Mineral