January Birthstone: Garnet

Garnet in its famous red form (Click photo to enlarge).

Garnet, the birthstone for January,  signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend.  Garnet, derived from the word granatum, means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone’s resemblance to a pomegranate seed.  References to the gemstone dates back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays jewelry.

Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red of the pyrope garnet to the vibrant green of tsavorite (Click photo to enlarge).

Today, the most important sources for garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka, and India. From fiery orange to mysterious green, garnet gemstones are naturally found in a variety of vibrant hues and tones. A garnet engagement ring is said to ensure good health, prosperity and enduring happiness. Red garnets are often compared to rubies, representing passion and love with their depth of color. Orange garnets (called Spessartite) is said to channel the energy of the sun, suitable for creative dreamers. Green garnet is believed to instill confidence in the wearer.

Cushion-cut spessartite garnet and diamond halo ring, 18k rosé gold.

As January’s birthstone, garnet engagement rings are particularly sought after those born in the first month of the year.

by Jean Amr