These .925 Sterling Silver buttercup stud earrings feature two genuine Rhodolite Garnet gemstones from Africa. Each gemstone is diamond cut and 3mm round. They are completely natural and have not been treated.

Garnets are hard gemstones which makes them excellent to wear because they are resistant to everyday wear and tear. While many think of Garnets as a red stone, it is actually an entire family of gems that range in color from yellow to green to red. There are more than 10 different gemstones with a similar chemical structure in the garnet family, however, only six of them are commonly found as gemstones.

Rhodolite garnet is a combination of almandine and pyrope minerals and is sometimes referred to as pyrope-almandine garnet. The name is derived from the Greek words rhodon and lithos, meaning rose-stone. It is prized for its raspberry red to a deep pinkish-red color.

Garnets have been found in jewelry made by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The red garnet was once known as the warrior's stone and soldiers carried garnets to ward off death and injury. It has been found in shields, buckles and other items worn by ancient soldiers including the Crusaders.

Some attribute healing, strength and protection to the garnet. It is also believed to aid in curing depression. Another belief is that the inner glow of a large garnet was used on Noah’s Ark to provide light and warmth. Garnets have also been exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to ensure that they would meet again.