About
Garnet is a gemstone with an ancient history. The first recorded garnet mine was found in Sri Lanka, and is thought to date back 2,500 years. Garnets have also been found in Bronze Age tombs, hinting at the resilient qualities of this richly-hued stone. They represent January’s birthstone, and are typically given as 2nd or 15th anniversary gifts.
Tsavorite garnet is a rare form of this typically deep-red precious gem. It was first mined in Tsavo National Park in east Africa, and the only other known source for the Tsavorite garnet is Madagascar.
Garnets have many mythical qualities. A biblical story tells that Noah used a garnet to illuminate the path of his Ark through the night. Ancient travelers often wore a garnet for the same reason. We now know, due to scientific discoveries, that garnets have a high refractive index, making them a particularly luminous stone. The garnet has long symbolized trust, devotion, and honesty.
Artist
Adel Chefridi was born in the old city of Tunis, along the Mediterranean coast. He came to New York in 1998, where he founded his studio, his work increasingly drawing from his multicultural background, reconciling past and present, nostalgia and hope. Adel studied Gemology in the most advanced Gem lab and school in the U.S., the Gemological Institute of America, where he graduated as Graduate Gemologist (GG) and Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP). He then went on to intensive study of goldsmithing at Studio Jewelers, Ltd. in Manhattan and graduated as a Bench Jeweler.
