In Ancient Greek mythology, Persephone, daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest was kidnapped by Hades, god of the underworld, who fell in love with her at first sight and carried her off to his kingdom. After eating seeds from the pomegranate offered to her, she bound herself to Hades and became his wife. Demeter, mad with sorrow, hunted everywhere for Persephone, roaming the earth for ninety days looking for her daughter. She found her with Hades, and struck a bargain with him: Persephone would live four months on earth with the living, and eight months in the underworld.
Garnets are associated with love, life blood, and the human heart. Because of its similarity to pomegranate seeds, they are also symbolic of friendship, and the safe return of loved ones, just as Persephone returned to her mother every year.
In Ancient times, the gemstone was used as a talisman for protection both by warriors going into battle and those who wanted to ward off pestilence and plague. Some ancient healers and wise men even placed garnets in wounds and praised its healing powers.
Garnet is the birthstone for January and the stone that celebrates the 2nd anniversary of marriage.
Converted from an antique stickpin, this ring's original setting is of Etruscan Revival design in 9 karat yellow gold, with coils of roping and boules at the top and bottom. The simple shank is crafted in 14 karat gold. A beautiful garnet cabochon rests in splendor right in the center. Deep red, mysterious and passionate-it's everything we look for in an antique piece and more!
Details (approximate)
Size (can be resized): 7.5
Weight: 248 grams
Materials: Gold, Garnet
Metal: 14K yellow gold (shank); 9K yellow gold (original element)
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent converted Antique condition commensurate with age and wear