THE JOURNEY OF A GARNET CRYSTAL Introducing the epitome of elegance and opulence – the GARANATUS necklace. Crafted with meticulous artistry and unrivaled expertise, this exquisitely designed masterpiece celebrates the fusion of precious metals and radiant gemstones. With its incredible colors and design, this necklace encapsulates the ultimate indulgence. The centerpieces of this magnificent piece lie in vivid and rare garnets, showcasing a captivating harmony of colorful hues and breathtaking brilliance. Expertly faceted and carefully set, each gemstone whispers tales of mystery and allure while reflecting its wearer's timeless grace. This necklace embodies the essence of luxurious adornment, transcending trends and tethering itself to the realm of everlasting beauty and grandeur.

from the creator

“As an artist and a lover of all things exquisite, I always yearned to create something that would truly mesmerize and leave people awestruck. With my deep-rooted passion for gems and crystals, there was no doubt in my mind about the perfect subject for my next masterpiece. I knew I had to showcase the breathtaking journey from a rough garnet crystal to the magnificent faceted stone it becomes.

When I stood before Todd’s extensive garnet collection, I felt a surge of excitement and inspiration. Each garnet held a unique story, waiting to be shared with the world.

With a profound sense of purpose, I embarked on the mission of showcasing the captivating  journey of the garnet crystal. Each delicate step would weave together the realms of beauty, education, and science, forming a dream combination that I could not resist.

As viewers journeyed through this transformation, they would not only witness the sheer beauty of the process but also gain a deeper understanding of the artistry and science involved. Balancing creativity with technical expertise, the transformation would illuminate the harmonious fusion of human ingenuity and the wonders of nature.

My vision for this piece extends far beyond a mere display of beauty. It is an opportunity to educate and inspire. By exploring the remarkable journey of the garnet crystal, spectators would delve into the realm of gemology, acquiring a newfound appreciation for the complex art of stone cutting and the geological forces that shape these treasures.”

-Mary van der Aa

behind THE DESIGN

When it comes to the world of design, perfection is often an elusive goal. Yet, for Mary van der Aa, a visionary designer renowned for her unmatched eye for detail, perfecting her latest creation was paramount. This awe-inspiring design, which had been three years in the making, stood as a testament to her dedication and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

GRANATUS: About the Name
The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “Granatus,” meaning “seedlike.” This nomenclature hints at the gem's resemblance to the vibrant seeds of this fruit. In fact, many ancient civilizations associated the garnet with fertility, abundance, and the cycle of life due to its pomegranate-like appearance. “GARANATUS” is a play on this latin word.

From its inception, Mary was consumed by the idea of crafting not just a functional piece, but a marvel that would seamlessly serve multiple purposes. She embarked on a relentless pursuit to create an innovative design that would revolutionize the way we interact with our jewelry, and also teach the story of the journey of a gemstone. To showcase the natural essence of a garnet, each link is shaped as a rhombic dodecahedron, the natural crystal shape of a Garnet.

Mary continuously thought about ways she could “engineer” the necklace, and make it as fashion-forward and technologically advanced as possible. The journey to finalize this masterpiece tested Mary's creativity, skill, and patience. Countless hours were invested in meticulously considering every detail, ensuring that each element served a distinct purpose and elevated the overall functionality of the design.

Prototyping each link served challenging, and many modifications were made, including making the links “thicker” and more grand.

Pristine Perfection: A Multifunctional Masterpiece

This breathtaking necklace features two pieces. The first piece is adorned with shimmering, hand-faceted garnets. It drapes gracefully around the neck, and is a true statement of timeless beauty.

The second piece showcases the ingenuity of the design: a magnetically attached jacket necklace. Exquisite craftsmanship brings to life the essence of this decadent piece. The jacket can be seamlessly attached to the necklace, and secured into place with the use of magnets, transforming the piece into an entirely new accessory.

Paying Homage to the Amazing World of Garnet

Each link of this opulent necklace showcases a unique variety, location, and color of Garnet, making it a stunning piece of jewelry that truly stands out as a rarity. From deep reds to vibrant greens, each gemstone featured is a testament to the natural beauty and diversity of Garnet, and the back of each link identifies not only the type of garnet, but where it came from.

This extraordinary necklace contains over 77 carats of natural, rare and colorful garnets. Deciding the gemstone layout was a tedious and challenging task. Mary wanted it to be perfect. Each gemstone was placed to stand out, not just be set to blend into a rainbow, which is so commonly done.

Mary's unwavering commitment to perfection led her to challenge traditional boundaries, daring to dream bigger and execute better. She passionately pushed the limits of design, combining form and function into a harmonious symphony that would leave all who beheld it in awe.

To enhance the allure and provide a seamless connection to the digital world, the necklace boasts a laser-engraved QR code. Enchanting in its simplicity, this QR code leads the viewer to a dedicated website where they can delve deeper into the origins, characteristics, and significance of this remarkable necklace.

This show-stopping piece uses only the finest materials, combining the beauty of Platinum with the warm allure of 18kt yellow gold. This harmonious fusion of precious metals adds a captivating depth and richness to every link, ensuring an unrivaled statement of elegance.

Now, as the three-year journey reaches its culmination, Mary's multifunctional masterpiece stands as a testament to her artistic prowess and unwavering commitment to perfection. It is an embodiment of her belief that design should not only be visually appealing but also seamlessly integrate into our lives, transforming the mundane into something extraordinary. As the world beholds this incredible design, history will remember it not just for its visual allure but for its amazing creativity.

In a world where luxury is defined by impeccable design and flawless execution, the GARANATUS necklace by Mary van der Aa sets the standard.