January’s birthstone also happens to be the traditional anniversary stone to celebrate a 2nd wedding anniversary. Much nicer than cotton as far as we’re concerned!

When we think of garnet we usually picture an iconic red shade, but this lovely gemstone can come in numerous colors. In fact, color-changing garnets look different in natural light than they do in incandescent light. The stone is pretty hard on the Mohs scale of hardness – 6.5- 8.5 by various reports. That means that David Craig Jewelers can incorporate garnets into secure rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings or even cufflinks.

Five Fun Garnet Facts

• The name comes from the Latin “Garanatus” which means “seed-like,” referencing the pomegranate’s bright red seeds (that iconic red color of many garnets) and reminds us that these gems have been popular since ancient Roman times.
• Garnets are rated 6.5 – 8. 5 on the Mohs scale of hardness and were sturdy enough to be found in beads in a grave dating back to 3000 BC
• In medieval times, garnets were supposed to hold medicinal values like curing depression
• The red stone is often regarded as a symbol of both vitality (think blood flow) and prosperity – not a bad way to start off the year!
• According to Jewish tradition, a garnet helped light the way on Noah’s ark

Whether you’re looking for a garnet for a January birthday person or as treat for yourself, stop in to David Craig Jewelers and see what we can do for you!