What is the symbol of the Czech Republic? Bohemian glass, beer and, of course, Czech pomegranate. But how did this particular stone deserve its recognition? Garnet jewelry in silver has long been considered prestigious and of high quality.
About the stone
Garnet is a gemstone known to man since the Middle Ages. Its name comes from the Greek word for "grainy", and the structure of the mineral nest is similar to a fruit. The pyrope stone is most in demand - bright red, without spots and flaws. He is a real Czech pomegranate, because "pyropus" - the word from which its name came from, is translated as "like fire." This gem belongs to the group that includes spessartine and almandine, but unlike them, it is considered precious, while the rest were awarded only the title of semi-precious.
History
The collection and supply of stone to Europe was established only in the eighth century. But initially, only church utensils were decorated with them, which did not contribute to an increase in the popularity of the stone. After a lull under Emperor Rudolf II, in the 16th century, themass import of the mineral. Craftsmen engaged in cutting stones and creating jewelry with Czech garnets in silver were provided with comprehensive assistance, and the emperor himself acquired the right to redeem the most beautiful and outstanding ones for his own treasury. And the name "Czech" stone acquired already in 1679 thanks to the writer and historian Boguslav Balbin. Since then, all stones found in the Czech Republic have this nickname.
Physical properties
The stone itself is quite easy to recognize - it is transparent, has a dark red hue, flashing scarlet in the light. The size of the mineral varies from 2 to 8 mm. Larger stones are extremely rare, which greatly increases their interest. For example, the largest pomegranate is kept in the museum and weighs approximately 633.5 carats, and its size can compete with a pigeon's egg. But the most famous, perhaps, can be called a stone of 469 carats. It is part of a product called the Order of the Golden Fleece, a relic of the royal dynasty of Saxony. The order is in the treasury of the museum in Dresden. Few are allowed to see it. It is known about another, the largest stone ever found, weighing 700 carats. But its history and whereabouts are still unknown.
If we consider garnet from the point of view of physics, then its hardness is 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, which is only a few units below diamond. Also, the stone is resistant to heat. Thanks to this, it can be subjected to the cutting process and create full-fledged products from Czech garnet in silver.
Propertiesmagical
From a magical point of view, the stone is a strong amulet that can protect the traveler on the road. After all, according to legend, Noah inserted it into the lamp located on the mast of the ark. Alchemists also gave him great importance. They believed that at a high temperature, if you put a stone in your mouth, it can take away the excess and save you from illnesses and diseases. In the days of chivalry, garnets most often adorned knightly swords, protecting them from wounds, giving confidence and endurance to the owner.
On the other hand, the stone is seen as an amplifier of passion and love, able to give its owner a sense of joy and not let melancholy take over. But it is believed that for the stone to begin to act, it should take a little time for the talisman to get used to the owner. If a person has become the owner of this stone, then its energy will be present in it for a long time. That is why, from a magical point of view, it is not recommended to purchase jewelry in an antique shop or from your own hands. It is not recommended to wear, for example, silver garnet earrings for people who want peace, tranquility and solitude. The energy contained in the stone will not be able to give the desired.
Zodiac signs and the influence of pomegranate on them
Initially, a garnet in silver is considered the embodiment of the fiery element enclosed in a charm. It is most suitable for those born under the sign of Leo, Aries or Sagittarius. But it is this stone that will become a kind of beacon that attracts emotions for the Virgo sign. After all, they are calm and phlegmatic from birth.
Jewelry
By itself, as already mentioned, the stone is not very big. Therefore, products from it most often consist of several stones and are surrounded by silver or gold. A silver garnet ring usually resembles a ring and is a true work of art. There are many combinations. They imply a combination of not only large and small pyropes, but also the combination of two types of stones when working, for example, almandine.
How to purchase
If you do not want to fall for a fake or buy low-quality stones, then you should pay attention to the original homeland of pyrope. After all, it is there that the most original jewelry with real stones is created. The company is called "Granat Turnov" and is more of an artistic cooperative, created in 1957 through the merger of several private companies. It is she who is considered the sole and permanent owner of all the mines where stones are mined.
The products of this manufacturer are sold all over the world and remain quite popular. After all, the catalog of goods is updated annually, and new jewelry is made taking into account the latest trends. In order to exclude a mistake, it is better to make a purchase in a company store.
Garnet is quite a popular stone. Of course, not like a diamond, but it is also beautiful. Especially when its facets shimmer. Products made of garnet in silver attract the eye, resembling drops of frozen blood in metal. They are very mysterious and enigmatic.
