First of all, we need to clarify what is the difference between garnets and Bohemian garnets. The main difference is the stone’s quality: Bohemian garnets are much harder and more light-reflective. They have a fierce red color and are heat-resistant up to 1500 Celsius. That’s why they have their unique name. It is the exact same as the difference between emeralds and Colombian emeralds or rubies and Burmese rubies.
High temperatures and enormous pressure created Bohemian garnets millions of years ago. Then, volcanic activity brought them closer to the surface, where they are still found today. Most often, they are between 1 mm and 7 mm in size and are buried at a maximum depth of 5 meters.
The origins of garnet mining date back to prehistoric times, when our ancestors mined them in Bohemian Central Highlands. The location and method of mining have stayed the same since prehistoric times; only the technology is modern. The most important producer of Bohemian garnet jewelry is Granát Turnov, which produces and distributes it worldwide.
Jewelry made with Bohemian garnets crosses the spectrum with earrings, rings, necklaces, broaches, and everything in between. In general, almost anything can be fitted with Bohemian garnets. Among the most popular are silver crosses decorated with garnet stones.
Blood drops of gods and other legends of Bohemian garnets
There are numerous legends surrounding Bohemian Garnets – and garnets in general. The first one comes from the Bible and says Noa had a lamp made of garnets on his ark, navigating him and his ship through the darkness of the flooded world. Another legend from ancient times suggests that red garnets are drops of the blood of the gods. People wore them for religious reasons and believed it would bring them the gods’ affection.
In the Middle Ages, knights had their weapons fitted with garnets for decoration and, more importantly, for their protective power against injury. It gave warriors a sense of immortality. Throughout the centuries, garnets were a talisman of pilgrims, travelers, and explorers, providing them with strength and courage.
Even today, it is believed that garnets have many positive effects on both the human spirit and body. It is said that Bohemian garnets bring courage and confidence, restore strength, supply vitality, and help to control blood circulation and pressure.
Most importantly, Bohemian garnet protects friendship. So, the last logical step is to proclaim Bohemian garnet as the official stone of the Three Seas Initiative to protect and preserve our strength and friendship.
