Granatschmuck

Garnet has been captivating jewellers for centuries with its fiery sparkle and deep red colour. It was particularly popular in 19th century Bohemian garnet jewellery and is still a classic in jewellery design today thanks to its many varieties. Whether simple or opulent, authentic historical garnet jewellery offers a wonderful opportunity to revive the charm of past times. Find out more

Garnet - the name says it all

Already referred to by the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder in his records as carbuncle (Latin carbunculus = small glowing coal), the term garnet was first defined in literature in the 13th century. The grain-shaped crystals of the gemstone, which also resemble the seeds of the pomegranate, led to the term granatus (Latin granum = grain).

The red gemstone has always been particularly attractive for jewellery making due to its hardness, high light refraction and its numerous colour variations from red and pink to brown and even bright shades of green.

A gemstone with a long tradition

Garnets have been known as gemstones since Roman antiquity and experienced their first heyday in the early Middle Ages, when men and women adorned themselves with garnet-studded disc brooches (clasps to hold clothing together). Archaeological excavations have shown that it was not only jewellery that was decorated with garnet. Everyday objects and weapons were also adorned with the red gemstone.

The carbuncle received a new boost in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the term "Bohemian garnet" was officially coined and mining of the mineral was systematically expanded in what is now the Czech Republic. Bohemian garnet or pyrope is characterised by its purity and intense dark red colour.

In the 18th century, Bohemian garnet became a sought-after gemstone throughout Europe. It experienced its absolute heyday in the 19th century, particularly in the form of mourning and traditional costume jewellery. Depending on the workmanship, these pieces were largely bourgeois jewellery that was not only reserved for the upper classes. Processing together with silver, brass alloys such as tombac or low gold alloys was therefore not uncommon and is characteristic of the jewellery of that time.

When the deposits were exhausted, the heyday of garnet also came to a temporary end.

Authentic antique jewellery at Die Halsbandaffaire

Characteristic of antique garnet jewellery is the use of tiny Bohemian garnets, which are set close together in the respective pieces of jewellery (pavé setting). Necklaces and bracelets are characterised by rosette motifs and garland-like hanging drops, among other things. Garnet pendants and brooches can be found in the form of sickle moons and stars or in a round or oval design with a strongly curved and accentuated centre. The gemstone itself is usually rose-cut or cabochon.

Our range includes a carefully curated selection of genuine Bohemian garnet jewellery from the 19th century, which you can order in our local shop or from the comfort of your own home via our online shop.

Garnets - a must for traditional costumes

In addition to the historical pieces of jewellery from the 19th century, authentic traditional costume jewellery also offers a wonderful stage for the red jewel, as its intense colour makes it the perfect companion to almost any dirndl. Whether rather discreet in the form of small garnet earrings or opulent as a multi-row choker necklace, Die Halsbandaffaire offers you high-quality pieces of jewellery, especially from the mid-20th century, as a harmonious addition to your traditional costume.

Our tip: Why not take your dirndl with you to our shop in Munich to try it on? This way, jewellery and "Gwand" can be perfectly coordinated!