Claudette Colvin Gemstone Necklace
- Orange Garnet
- 14k Gold Filled Chain, Clasp, & Findings
Length ⇢ 16 inches + 3 inch Extender
Find out the history, lore, & healing powers of Garnet in the information sections at the bottom of the page.
We offer a brief version of this information in an elegant card format. You can find these cards in the Crystal Card blog post, where you can download & print it for yourself or add it to a gift! Click on the specific gemstone card & you will see a download icon. You can print the card out yourself, or let us know you are gifting these earrings through the "Add A Note" section at purchase.
For more instructions on how to "Add A Note," visit our FAQ's page.
Every necklace is made with natural garnet of the same shape & size, however, the color of the necklace may vary slightly. The difference will not be in the color itself so much, but a varying ombre pattern. This could mean the bracelet is slightly darker or lighter due to more light thank dark orange, or vice versa.
This necklace is perfect for those who have sensitive skin. The chain, findings, & beads are hypoallergenic & with proper care, will not tarnish, turn, or stain your skin!
For more information on 14k gold filled metals & how to care for this type of jewelry, check out our information sections below.
Too tired to give up her seat on the bus home from high school, on March 2, 1955, Claudette Colvin refused to move for a white passenger—nine months before Rosa Parks would do the same. Later she said that she felt inspired by the memories of earlier pioneers to stand—or sit—her ground. As she told Newsweek, “I felt like Sojourner Truth was pushing down on one shoulder and Harriet Tubman was pushing down on the other—saying, ‘Sit down girl!’ I was glued to my seat.”
The 15-year-old Colvin was arrested for violating Montgomery, Alabama’s segregation laws, and her family feared for their safety as news of the incident spread. Colvin pled not guilty, and was given probation. While Colvin wasn’t selected by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to challenge segregation laws in the south due to her youth, she later became one of the four plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, which ruled that the Montgomery segregated bus system was unconstitutional.
This mini bio was sourced from the article '11 Bold Women Who Changed the World', written by Brynn Holland
Garnet ⎆Protection ・ Vitality ・ Love
Garnet is the birthstone for January & the stone that celebrates the 2nd anniversary of marriage. The word “Garnet” comes from the latin word “Garanatus,” meaning ‘seed-like,’ in reference to a pomegranate. It is said small Garnets resemble the bright red seeds you find inside the red fruit.
Garnet has an incredibly rich history. Thousands of years ago, red garnet necklaces were worn by Egyptian pharaohs who were later buried with them as prized possessions for the afterlife. In Ancient Rome, signet rings with carved garnets were used to stamp the wax that secured important documents. The King of Saxony is said to have had a garnet of over 465 carats. Plato had his portrait engraved on a piece of garnet by a Roman engraver.
Bohemia, now part of Czechoslovakia, was a tremendous source of garnet - the industry practically ran the country. Bohemian castles & churches had magnificent interiors decorated with Garnet. In fact, Bohemian garnets are famous even today. Bohemia is known for their small, but beautiful, stones that are set close to each other. Garnet jewelry is still found in Czech Republic, with the stones still arranged in the traditional, tightly joined way. This type of setting was popular because it brings attention to the classic beauty of the stones.
In Spanish astrology, the garnet once represented the sun. The term “carbuncle” was often used in ancient times to refer to red garnets - the word refers to a boil or blister. Carbuncle was thought to be one of the four precious stones given to King Soloman by God.
Centuries later, from 23 to 79 AD, red garnets were among the most widely traded gems. Later, during the Middle Ages (475 to 1450 AD), red garnet was favored by clergy & nobility. The stones were though to cure depression, protect against bad dreams, & relieve diseases of the liver, as well as hemorrhages.
Garnet has played a part in many different religious texts. Legend has it, Noah used a finely cut glowing garnet to illuminate the ark during the dark & wet days & nights. Hebrew writers include the garnet as one of the 12 gems in Aaron’s breastplate. Christian tradition considered the blood red garnet as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice. The Koran holds the garnet illuminates the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems.
This deep red gemstone is symbolic of a quick return & separated love - fHades had given a pomegranate to Persephone before she left him to ensure her speedy return. Therefore, Garnet may be given to a beloved before embarking on a trip, as it is believed to heal the broken bond of lovers.
Garnet has incredible physical & psychological healing powers, as well. Physically, Garnet is worn to enhance bodily strength, endurance, & vigor. It is widely believed to be extremely beneficial to wear a garnet when you must exert yourself. Garnet was also thought to relive skin conditions & regulate the heart & blood. The stone has long believed to cure heart palpitations, lung diseases, & various diseases of the blood.
Psychologically, Garnet is a strong healer. Garnet’s virtues have been long believed to include passion, true friendship, fidelity, success, self-esteem, loyalty, devotion, energy, faith, consistency, & truth. The stone also sharpens your perception of yourself & other people. Garnet can ward off nightmares. Furthermore, the stone is said to inspire contemplation & truthfulness, & offers its wearer the power to protect their standing & possessions.
There are a few common terms used when describing gold jewelry -
・Gold Plated
・Gold Vermeil
・Gold Filled
・Solid Gold
In this piece, we used a gold filled metal. Gold filled is the highest quality alternative to solid gold, with a higher gold content than both gold-plated & gold vermeil metals. It has almost 100x as much gold as gold-plated jewelry! The gold is mechanically bonded to the base metal, so it can’t rub off like gold-plated jewelry can. Gold fill has the same qualities as solid gold jewelry at a fraction of the cost.
All of our gold fill jewelry is made with 14k gold.
While it’s name implies the metal is filled with gold, the gold is actually on the outside. The term refers to a thick outer layer of durable, pressure-bonded, solid gold that covers a base metal, usually brass. The USA industry standard legally requires 5% of the metal be pure gold by weight.
Gold-fill is your best option after solid gold for quality & durability. It will not flake off or turn your skin green. Gold fill is nickel free & hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin.
Hypothetically, gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime. Actual longevity will depend on a number of factors, especially how you care for it. For details on how to care for your gold filled jewelry, see the specified drop down menu below.
14k Gold Fill jewelry is not supposed to tarnish, at least for a long time. However, it is possible for gold-fill to tarnish under certain circumstances, though it should not do so easily. Exposing your jewelry to chemicals, such as bleach, certain people’s body chemistry, chlorine (pools & hot tubs), salt water, sweat, & certain products, such as perfume, hairspray, lotions, & sunscreen. For more details, see our FAQ section or blog post on 14k Gold Fill.
Ultimately, gold-filled jewelry is perfect for everyday wear because it can handle the wear & tear of daily life, & is very affordable. It has almost 100x more gold than gold-plated, with the same qualities & durability as solid gold, but at an affordable price!
For more detailed information on gold filled jewelry, see our FAQ page & blog ☺︎
In theory, gold-filled jewelry should last a lifetime, however, it’s actual longevity depends a number of factors. The following care instructions will prolong your jewelry’s lifetime & keep it in optimal condition.
Our pieces are relatively delicate & are not meant to be worn during harsh activities, such as sports, cleaning, gardening, etc.
・Take your jewelry off when swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean.
Chlorine & salt water will degrade the metal, causing your jewelry to tarnish at an accelerated rate. However, wearing your gold-filled jewelry in the shower or bath is fine, as long you dry it off properly.
・Apply makeup, lotion, hairspray, & perfume before you put on your jewelry.
・Avoid excessive contact with sunscreen. The chemicals in sunscreen are harsh on most metals.
・Take off your jewelry at the nail salon or when doing your nails at home. Nail polish remover is a harsh chemical that does not play well with gold-filled jewelry.
・Take off your jewelry before participating in activities that will cause heavy sweating. Some people’s body chemistry (which is affected by many factors, including hormones, medications) is more harsh on jewelry than others. Only ~10% of people find their body does not pair well with gold jewelry, however, better safe than sorry! Removing your jewelry before working out, tanning, etc. will ensure your jewelry will remain in pristine condition.
・Remove your jewelry before cleaning. Harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, such as bleach, can degrade even the strongest of metals.
・Clean your jewelry as soon as it starts to look dingy.
▹ Soak your jewelry in a bath of lukewarm water & mild dish soap for 10-15 minutes.
▹ Use a soft cloth to wipe your jewelry off, pat it dry, then lay it out until it is fully dry before wearing or storing it.
▹ For a deep clean that will remove dirt from your jewelry’s nooks & crannies you can use a soft brush, such as a child’s toothbrush.
▹ Our favorite jewelry cleaning tool is the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, which removes dirt & grime by vibrating your jewelry in a warm water + soapy solution.
For more information on how to care for your jewelry visit our FAQ page & our 14k gold fill blog posts ☺︎