Garnet and Pearl Jewelry Set

This exotic Garnet and Pearl Jewelry Set gleams with more than 25 freshwater pearls and 115 garnets. Bezel set by artisan jewelers, this alluring Garnet and Pearl set evokes jewelry often worn during Hindu religious festivals. The garnet and pearl necklace is secured with an S-hook clasp. The matching garnet and pearl pierced earrings feature post backs. Gold-plated sterling silver settings and findings. Presented in a suede jewelry folder. Natural variations ensure each Garnet and Pearl necklace, bracelet and pierced earring will be one of a kind.  Set includes: Necklace: 16"l. with 1"l. drop, 1"l. extender chain; Pierced Earrings: 0.75"l.

Museum Provenance

This Garnet and Pearl Jewelry Set is inspired by the National Gem and Mineral Collection housed in our National Museum of Natural History. Many times garnet is mistakenly thought of as a single gem, when in reality it is actually a family of gems in colors of every shade with the exception of blue. The use of garnets as gems goes back thousands of years to the early Egyptians. They were prized by the Greeks and Romans, as well, and were often cut into thin slices and inlaid. In Anglo-Saxon and Victorian jewelry, cut and faceted garnets were commonly mounted in intricate settings of gold and silver, a creative process that continues to this day.

Every Smithsonian purchase will arrive with a museum provenance card explaining how it is adapted from or inspired by an object or objects in our collection.