18 Karat Gold Ring Featuring a Cabachon Garnet

The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. The garnet was also favored in the jewelry of the European Dark Ages and Medieval period. The famous Sutton Hoo Treasure found in England contains over 4,000 cut and faceted garnets. As with many gems, the finest varieties come from India, which was true in Antiquity as well as today. According to Talmudic legend, the only source of light on Noah’s Ark was a single large garnet. Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer free from wounds and to promote good health in general. It is especially useful for preventing skin disorders and giving a glowing complexion.