Jewelry
January Birthstone: Garnet
Were you born in January? Lucky you! Your birthstone, a garnet, is said to bring the wearer good health, wealth, and happiness. Not a bad way to start out the New Year!
Garnets are usually red but also come in a range of exquisite colors including orange, yellow, purple, and green. Some garnets can even change color from blue to purple depending on the lighting.
Garnet Meaning
The word “garnet” harkens from the Medieval Latin granatus, which means “pomegranate.” The garnet was named for its similarity in color to the luscious and healthy red fruit. No wonder the garnet brings its wearer good health given the highly touted antioxidants found in pomegranates.
Garnet History
Did you know that garnets have been used since the Bronze stage as not only gemstones but also as an abrasive? So not only is the garnet beautiful but it is also powerful. When crushed, the garnet’s sharp edges are perfect for cutting and sanding.
The pharaohs of ancient Egypt wore necklaces studded with red garnets. In ancient Rome, signet rings featuring garnets were used to stamp the wax that secured important documents.[1] Think about all of the important documents and messages that were sealed with a garnet. Maybe even the Magna Carta! But don’t quote me on that because, well, I wasn’t there so I can’t be 100% sure. Maybe I can be 11% sure that the Magna Carta was sealed with a garnet ring. After all, red garnets were the preference for the clergy and nobility of the middle Ages.
Health Benefits
Birthstones are said to have health benefits. According to Indian astrology. garnets help to eliminate negative feelings such as depression and guilt. Garnets are also said to help instill greater self-confidence and mental clarity to promote creative thinking and peace of mind. No wonder January’s birthstone brings happiness. Depression and guilt are sworn enemies to happiness.
In ancient and medieval times, garnets were thought to be a remedy for inflammatory diseases. The wearer of garnet could have an angry heart soothed. Some legends say that garnets light up at night to protect the wearer from nightmares. Garnets were even carried by travelers to protect against accidents while far from home. [2]
The garnet has earned the nickname of “Gem of Faith” as it is believed that good luck will come to those who wear it and do good. But be warned that the garnet will bring bad fortune to those who commit evil acts while wearing a garnet.
Where to Find Garnet
Garnets can be found in many different regions and countries. In Victorian times, the primary source of red garnets was Bohemia. In 19th century Russia, the Russian royal family prized green garnets which could be found in the Ural mountains. The great jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé also used green garnets from the Ural mountains in his acclaimed creations. Today, most garnets are supplied by Africa. Myanmar, Brazil, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, among other countries are also producers of the January birthstone.
Second Wedding Anniversary
Garnets are also the gemstone for the second wedding anniversary. The garnet’s fiery red color represents passion and intimacy–qualities that are abundant in the second year of marriage. The garnet is the perfect stone to represent the second year of marriage given the good luck and promises of good health, wealth, and happiness that come to the wearer.
Care and Cleaning
Most garnets range between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means the January birthstone is more susceptible to damage than say rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. Garnets tend to scratch easier with the daily wear. Think about accidentally hitting your ring as you walk through a doorway. Garnets are more suited for earring, brooches, and pendants where they are more protected from the perils of swinging hands.
Don’t forgot to take care of your garnet when storing it. Don’t just willy-nilly throw your birthstone in with all your other jewelry. Garnets can be scratched and damaged if rubbed against harder stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. And in turn, garnet can scratch softer more delicate gems like opals and pearls.
The best way to care for your stone at home is with a soft toothbrush and warm water with a mild soap. Abrasive or harsh cleaners will damage your stone so stick to mild soap. Steam cleaning garnets is not recommended. Sometimes your ring needs professional cleaning, such as a dip in an ultra sonic cleaner.
Wishing all the January birthdays a year of good health, wealth, and happiness!
[1] Information from GIA.
[2] Information from American Gem Society
