January’s Birthstone is the Garnet

Mike Levine

When most of us think of garnets, we see red. In a good way! But garnets, January’s birthstone, actually come in a large variety of colors including yellow, green, pink, blue and purple.

You can be forgiven for confusing a red garnet with a ruby. While the two gemstones are both lovely, rubies tend to be a deeper red than the red garnets and are a bit stronger, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale we use to measure mineral hardness.

Physical Origins
Depending on the species and types, your garnet could be from Kenya or Tanzania (Tsavorite – a green variety), India or Sri Lanka (Rhodolite—a deep reddish/purple), Russia or Namibia (Demantoid – very rare, a deep green) but also Brazil, Iran and many other countries.

The Name
According to the American Gem Society, the word “garnet” comes from the 14th century Middle English word “gernet” which means dark red, deriving from the Latin “granatum” meaning seed. If you think about it, the red varieties do indeed resemble the seeds of a pomegranate!

Quality
We evaluate garnets much like we do diamonds, based on clarity and cut which can affect not just the aesthetics but also the value of these gemstones. One quality tip from the American Gem Society is to take a look at the stone under light and check for that “intense, saturated color.”

Folklore and History
The ancient Egyptians used garnets in jewelry and carvings. And the gemstone was popular in signet rings in ancient Rome. Victorians featured clusters to form larger pieces. Folklore says that in medieval times your garnet would be thought to relieve liver disease, cure depression, protect you against bad dreams, enhance strength, relive skin conditions, promote hormonal balance in women and cure blood diseases. It was even once thought that garnets had healing powers which would help ward off plague. This is one powerful gemstone!

January Origins
Garnet has been considered January’s traditional birthstone for centuries. It was added  to a more contemporary list of birthstones in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers when the organization came out with its more modern list.

Whether you choose garnet for its traditional or modern significance, you’re sure to love this gemstone! Shop for a lovely garnet gemstone at David Craig Jewelers or bring in an heirloom piece. Ask us about how we can transform a gemstone treasure from yesteryear into a vibrant new piece for today.

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