The Garnet Overview
The January birthstone is the garnet gemstone; for babies born in this month, the gem makes the perfect stone as not only does it symbolise peace, prosperity and good health, but some even say it has the power to give the wearer eternal happiness, health and wealth.
It’s a genuinely stunning stone and superb in bespoke jewellery piece; it can be seen most commonly in red but can also be found in a rainbow of colours, from the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the vibrant green of the Tsavorite Garnet. It can also appear in the oranges and browns of Spessartite and Hessonite from Sri Lanka and Namibia and even the subtle pinks and purples of the Rhododendron.
It’s the perfect gemstone to start each year! Learn more about the January birthstone, Garnet:
The History of the garnet stone
The garnet stone being used in jewellery dates back to the Bronze Age. References go back to 3100c when the Egyptians used the Garnet as inlays in their jewellery and carvings and even said that it was a symbol of life.
The Garnet stone was also a favourite during Roman times in the 3rd and 4th Centuries. The talisman has also been known to have used the garnet stone to protect warriors on the battlefield. And those who wanted to ward off pestilence and plague.
Some ancient healers and wise men have even placed a garnet stone on wounds and praised its healing powers.
Jewellery set with the Garnet stone has been a fixture throughout the ages. The Garnet was often used as signet rings in ancient Rome, and the nobility favoured garnets in the Middle Ages.
Garnet jewellery was also fashionable during Victorian times, where some of the most beautiful garnet jewellery of the era mimics its pomegranate namesake, with clusters of tiny red gems forming a more significant statement piece.
Garnet Jewellery in 2018
Today, the Garnet will be seen in various jewellery pieces in various styles, from beautiful rings to stunning tiaras. Since the Garnet can come in multiple colours, rare garnets in green or blue make breathtaking pieces, especially in pendants or drop earrings.
With the Garnet being a very durable gemstone (6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale) and available in an array of colours, it makes the perfect stone for your bespoke jewellery piece, whether a ring, pendants or drop earrings.
It does not matter how or why you wear Garnet, it’s just a beautiful gemstone, and it is perfect for those lucky enough to share a January birthday and to start each New Year with a sense of goodwill, happiness, and purpose.
If you would like to see the January birthstone up close, please
