Majestic 18ct gold-plated silver necklace with garnet and pearl

A 6mm garnet cabochon with a 3mm freshwater pearl drop, on a 40+5cm adjustable chain in 18ct gold-plated 925 sterling silver. House Of The 18th.

Deep red and plain white, stacked one under the other. Nothing about it apologises.

The Garnet and Pearl Necklace from House Of The 18th is a sterling silver pendant necklace featuring a 6mm round garnet cabochon held in a four-prong setting, with a 3mm freshwater cultured pearl suspended directly beneath it. The chain measures 40cm with a 5cm extender, adjustable between 40cm and 45cm. Chain, bail and settings are solid 925 sterling silver finished with 18ct gold plating. The necklace is nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

What is garnet?

Garnet is a group of silicate minerals rating 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear. The deep red variety is the most recognised, though garnet also occurs in orange, green and colourless forms. Garnet is one of the few widely used gemstones that is almost never treated or colour-enhanced - the red in this stone is entirely natural.

Why a cabochon instead of a faceted stone

A cabochon is polished into a smooth dome rather than cut with facets. Faceted garnets sparkle; cabochon garnets glow, holding a single deep pool of colour instead of scattering light. On the House Of The 18th garnet necklace the domed cut keeps the red saturated and reads as older and less formal than a faceted stone of the same size.

How to care for gold-plated silver, garnet and pearl

Pearls are the most delicate element of this necklace. Pearl is organic and rates only 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and its surface is damaged by perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and acids. Put the necklace on last when dressing and wipe the pearl with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Never use silver dip, polishing cloths or ultrasonic cleaners - all three destroy both the pearl surface and the gold plating. Store flat and dry in a soft pouch.