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Mud, Mystery, and Sparkle: The Treasure Hunt for Garnets in the Thames

Writer's picture: Patty HansenPatty Hansen

Mudlarking along the Thames River is like going on a treasure hunt, except instead of pirates’ chests, you might find ancient pottery, coins, or even pieces of jewelry! Mudlarking is the practice of searching riverbeds, especially at low tide, for lost or discarded items that might have historical value. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudlark It’s a fun way to connect with history and maybe even get a little muddy. The best part? Every low tide can reveal something new—you just have to look closely (and hope you don’t step in anything gross).

One of the most valuable things people find while mudlarking is garnets. These deep red gemstones resemble glimmers of ancient beauty, long hidden within the Thames mud! Garnets are famous for their rich color and have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. If your birthday is in January, congratulations—garnets are your birthstone, and they’re said to bring protection, love, and eternal friendship. Quite impressive for such a modest red stone!

But here’s the mystery: why are there so many garnets in the Thames? Nobody really knows! Some people think they might have fallen off ships carrying trade goods, while others believe jewelry workshops near the river could’ve tossed their scraps into the water. Another possibility is that garnets were intentionally cast into the river as part of an ancient ritual or ceremony. Picture a gathering along the Thames, ceremoniously tossing gemstones into the water as offerings or symbols of devotion. Whatever the reason, it’s kind of fun to think about how those gems ended up in the mud waiting to be rediscovered.

Back in the Victorian era, garnets were all the rage. Jewelers shaped them into shiny cabochons or faceted them to make them sparkle even more. People loved wearing garnets in brooches, rings, and pendants, often arranging them in clusters. Over the years, some of those pieces found their way into the Thames, where modern mudlarkers sometimes stumble upon them.

Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of mudlarking. The Thames foreshore can be a tricky place. The tides move super-fast, so you’ve got to be careful not to get stranded or worse drown. And the riverbed? Slippery, uneven, and full of surprises—some good, like a shiny garnet, and some not-so-good, like broken glass or rusty nails. (Pro tip: wear gloves and boots). Plus, some parts of the river are, well, not exactly clean. So, if you’re mudlarking, be sure to wash up afterward unless you want to smell for the rest of the day.

Here’s an important rule: you need a special permit from the Port of London Authority to legally mudlark. They take this seriously, and it helps protect both the river’s history and the people exploring it.

If you’re lucky enough to find a garnet, think about its journey. Was it part of a fancy ring? Did someone drop it while walking along the river many, many years ago? Or perhaps it was accidentally dropped during a bustling market exchange long ago, its story buried over time (the possibilities are endless). Whatever its story, it’s a tiny piece of history you’re holding in your hand.

Additionally, January’s birthstone, are also thought to bring balance, protection, and good health. Their deep red color makes them a favorite for jewelry, whether it’s an antique piece or something new. They’ve been loved for centuries, and it’s easy to see why.

So, if you’re ever by the Thames, why not give mudlarking a try? https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/london-stories/what-is-mudlarking/ You might find a piece of London’s glittering past—just watch your step, you don’t want to slip and fall! And if you’re looking for a special gift or celebrating a January birthday, a garnet might be the perfect way to shine a little brighter.

If mudlarking isn’t for you, Gallun Fine Jewelry offers a stunning selection of garnet jewelry, from timeless vintage pieces to modern designs. Whether you’re commemorating a special occasion or simply indulging in the beauty of this radiant gemstone, Gallun Fine Jewelry has the perfect piece to make your story sparkle.

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