Garnets were highly popular in Europe, in 18th and 19th centuries. They were frequently used for jewelry in the Victorian times. It is available in many colours and offers great versatility. The garnet occurs in generous quantities in certain parts of the world like in Africa, India, Russia, South America, Madagascar, Pakistan, and the United States. There are many beliefs in the power garnet has over the not just physical health, but mental health as well. Garnet is the birthstone for January

Most of the spinels of a “ruby-red colour” are produced from alluvial deposits in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and other countries. Other countries where spinel is mined include: Afghanistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Australia, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Tanzania. While August’s newly designated official birthstone is widely recognized in its deep red variety, spinel is also available in a wide range of colours. Pure spinel is colourless, but impurities give rise to a spectrum of choices, from peach, pink and red to green, blue and purple.