Garnet

At Morgan & Co Sunshine Coast, we love to educate our clients on anything diamond or gem stones. Lets look at the difference between a garnet and a ruby. 

A garnet is a group of silicate minerals that come in a wide range of colours, with the most well-known being deep red, but they can also be green, yellow, orange, pink, and even colourless. The different types of garnet have different chemical compositions, with some of the most common types being:

• Almandine (red to reddish-brown)

• Pyrope (deep red)

• Spessartine (orange to reddish-brown)

• Tsavorite (green)

• Andradite (green, yellow, or brown)

• Grossular (green, yellow, or colourless)

Garnets are also known for their hardness and durability, making them ideal for use in jewellery. Here at Morgan & Co Jewellery we see a lot of garnets that our clients love to remodel from jewellery from precious heirlooms handed down. 

Ruby

Now let's look at the beautiful Ruby. A ruby is a precious gemstone, known for its striking red colour, which comes from the element chromium. It is actually a variety of the mineral corundum, which is the same mineral that forms sapphires, but rubies specifically have their red hue due to the presence of chromium.

Rubies are highly valued because of their color, which can range from a deep, rich red to lighter, pinkish hues. The most prized rubies are often described as having a "pigeon blood" red, a vivid, intense red with a hint of blue. This vivid colour, along with their hardness (they rank 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, just below diamonds), makes rubies one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

In addition to their beauty, rubies have historical and cultural significance in many societies. They were considered symbols of passion, power, and protection. For instance, they were often used in crowns and royal jewellery.

Rubies are typically found in regions such as Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique. 

Garnets and engagement rings

Garnets are a great choice if you are considering a custom ring design for your engagement ring. 

Garnets can be a beautiful and unique option for your engagement ring, depending on your personal preference and style. At Morgan & Co we traditionally see clients lean towards diamonds, however we are seeing the tread lean towards coloured stones. Garnets offer a stunning alternative with their rich colour, historical significance, and affordability. Here are some reasons garnets might be a good option for an engagement ring:

Symbolism

Garnets have long been associated with love, passion, and commitment, making them a meaningful choice for an engagement ring. In ancient times, they were believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to the wearer.

Affordability

Compared to diamonds and other precious stones, garnets are generally more affordable. This allows you to choose a larger or higher-quality stone within a more reasonable budget. If you're looking for a striking, vibrant gemstone that doesn’t break the bank, garnets can be a great choice.

Durability

While garnets are durable (with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.5), they are softer than diamonds and sapphires, meaning they can be more prone to scratches or damage with daily wear. This doesn’t mean they can’t be used for engagement rings, but it’s important to take care of the ring and avoid exposing it to rough activities.

Unique and Eye-Catching

For those who want something different from traditional diamonds, a garnet engagement ring can be a bold and unique statement piece. The rich colors can give the ring a vintage or romantic look, and garnets often pair beautifully with different metals like yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum.

 Custom Designs

Garnets look stunning in a variety of ring settings, whether it’s a classic solitaire, halo, or vintage-inspired design. At Morgan & Co we also combine garnets with diamonds or other gemstones for a more intricate, one-of-a-kind design. Here at Morgan & Co we can help you create your dream ring using this unique stone.

Considerations

Maintenance: Since garnets are softer than diamonds, regular maintenance and care will help preserve their beauty. It’s important to clean the ring gently and store it properly.

Daily Wear: If you or your partner lead an active lifestyle, consider choosing a garnet with a protective setting to minimise the chance of damage.

Rubies and engagement rings 

Morgan & Co love creating unique engagement ring designs highlighting the Ruby. Rubies are an excellent choice for engagement rings, offering a vibrant, luxurious alternative to traditional diamonds. 

Here's why they make a great choice for an engagement ring

Symbolism

Rubies are often associated with love, passion, and vitality, making them a meaningful choice for an engagement ring. Their rich red color has long symbolized deep affection, desire, and commitment, making them perfect for expressing the depth of your relationship.

Durability

Rubies are incredibly durable, scoring 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamonds and moissanite. This makes them a practical choice for an engagement ring, as they can withstand daily wear without easily scratching or chipping. Their durability ensures that the gemstone will maintain its beauty over time.

Vivid Colour

The striking red colour of rubies is one of their most alluring qualities. Rubies come in a variety of red shades, from deep crimson to pinkish-red, allowing you to choose a hue that suits your style. The most valuable rubies, known as "pigeon's blood" rubies, have a vivid, pure red with a hint of blue. This bold color can create a stunning focal point in an engagement ring.

Timeless and Classic

Rubies have a long history of being worn by royalty and have been prized for centuries. They are timeless and exude a sense of elegance and sophistication. For those who want a gemstone that will never go out of style, a ruby is an excellent choice.

Unique and Distinctive

While diamonds are the most common gemstone Morgan & Co use in engagement rings, choosing a ruby sets your ring apart and makes it more unique. Rubies offer a distinct, bold look that is both eye-catching and memorable. For someone who wants a ring that stands out from the crowd, a ruby can be the perfect choice.

Versatile in Design

Rubies pair beautifully with a variety of metals and settings. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire, a vintage-inspired design, or a modern ring with clean lines, rubies can fit seamlessly into different styles. Rubies look stunning with white gold, platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold, and they can also be paired with diamonds for added sparkle and contrast.

Things to Consider

The quality of a ruby is judged by its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most desirable rubies have a vibrant, rich red color with good transparency. Morgan & Co are experts in choosing any coloured gem stones, especially rubies. It is  essential to choose a ruby from a reputable jeweler to ensure its authenticity and quality.

Treatment: Many rubies on the market are heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity, which is common and acceptable in the industry. However, it’s important to know if the ruby has undergone any treatments and to ensure it comes with proper certification.

Hidden Garnet and Rubies 

Morgan & Co are synonymous for creating  beautiful engagement rings, we are known to add a hidden gem stone in our clients engagement ring band, with their permission of course. Usually the gem stone chosen is either the birthstone of the giver of the ring or the recipient. Lets find out who’s birthday celebrates either ruby and garnet gem stones.

Both ruby and garnet are associated with different months of the year as birthstones:

Ruby is the birthstone for July

It's a symbol of passion, love, and energy. Rubies are believed to bring strength, courage, and vitality to those born in this month, and their intense red colour is often connected with feelings of love and desire.

Garnet is the birthstone for January

 Garnets are traditionally thought to symbolise protection, and they are also believed to bring good health, positive energy, and success to those born in January. The deep red of a garnet is often linked to friendship and loyalty.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the deep, passionate red of a ruby or the rich variety of hues found in garnets, both gemstones offer a unique and meaningful choice for jewellery. From engagement rings to heirloom redesigns, these stones carry history, symbolism, and undeniable beauty.

At Morgan & Co, we love bringing our clients' visions to life with custom designs that celebrate their personal stories. If you're considering a garnet or ruby for your next piece, book a consultation with us today — we’d love to help you create something truly special.

Get in touch and start designing your dream ring today!