Garnet is the January birthstone – a popular gemstone that has been used to make jewellery for countless generations. Thought to have healing and protective powers, Garnets are known as one of the symbols of ever-lasting love, which makes a piece of Garnet birthstone jewellery a perfect choice for a loved one on their special day.
Having been prized for its beautiful qualities since ancient times, Garnet comes in a range of different colours, although it’s best known for its deep red shade. To find out more about how this stone is formed, how it is valued, and its myriad of meanings, read on and discover all you need to know.
Garnet – An Ancient Gemstone
This gemstone takes its name from a Latin word meaning grain, “granatus”, which is said to reflect its most common red colour that is similar to a pomegranate seed. Yet, while many people think all Garnets are deep red, that isn’t the case at all. In fact, they come in many striking colours such as green, brown, purple, yellow, orange, peach, and pink. They are even some Garnets that are colourless or black.
How Are Garnets Formed?
Garnet is formed from several silicate minerals, and that means they have different chemical compositions so they come in different colours. Pyrope Garnets are the best-known. These are the classic dark or orange-red stones that most people think of when they bring Garnet to mind. Rhodolite Garnets are purple-red, while Spessartite Garnets are brown-red in colour. Usually, a green Garnet will be Tsavorite and Demantoid.
Where Do Garnets Come From?
Garnet deposits can be found in Russia, India, South America and Africa. However, Indian red Garnet has a fine deep colour and excellent clarity.
The Garnet January Birthstone
Garnet is associated with the month of January as its birthstone, and it is believed to inspire loyalty and love in the wearer. Its fiery symbolism and sparkle make it the ideal gift for romantic occasions and milestone dates. Not only is Garnet the ideal birthstone jewellery gift, it’s also a suitable anniversary present, being traditional gifted for the 18th and 2nd anniversaries.
How Is The Value Of A Garnet Assessed?
Experts determine the value of a Garnet by examining the colour, carat weight, cut, and clarity. While they come in many colours, the red varieties are most popular for jewellery. Usually, red Garnet is more desirable thanks to its clarity, beauty, and durability. Its primary colour may be red, however, it may also have a secondary hue which may be purple, brown, or orange.
All of these are natural variations in the stone. While colour is a key factor when choosing any gemstone, it’s important to remember that its shade can’t shine through fully unless the stone is free from impurities. You should always look for one that has an intense shade rather than having a specific colour.
In fact, red Garnet is more affordable since it’s readily available. The most valuable variety of Garnet is the green variant, which is rarer. As the per-carat price of red Garnet only increases slightly as the gemstone gets larger, it’s an excellent choice for larger birthstone jewellery pieces.
As red Garnet is transparent it can typically be cut into larger shapes, with round and oval shapes being most popular for jewellery. However, cabochons and hearts are also commonly seen since Garnet crystal is suitable for all types of cut.
Unlike many other gemstones, red Garnet needs no artificial treatment. When it is expertly cut and polished, its red fiery beauty can be easily revealed. Therefore, you can find untreated, natural red Garnets that look fantastic set into either gold or silver jewellery. It’s important to avoid exposing Garnet to high temperatures as it could be damaged. As Garnet is made up of crystals it is quite brittle and should be cared for properly, whether set in a ring, bracelet, necklace or pair of gold earrings.
The Lore And Legend Of January Garnet Birthstones
Royal lore surrounds the gemstone Garnet. In ancient times, amulets with Garnet stones were put around pharaohs’ necks before they were buried and ancient leaders in Rome wore Garnet rings to stamp wax seals onto important letters and documents. In ancient China, Garnets were said to represent the soul of a tiger, turned into a gem when the animal died, while in ancient Greece, it was said to protect children from drowning and to act as an antidote to poison.
During the Middle Ages, Garnets were believed to be a cure for depression and to have the power to protect the wearer against nightmares. They were also said to relieve liver diseases and cure haemorrhages. One legend even states that Noah used a Garnet to bring light to the ark during the flood, and Hebrew writers included Garnets as one of 12 gems found in Aaron’s breastplate. In Christian tradition, Garnets were said to be a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice due to its blood-red colour, while in the Quran, Garnets are said to illuminate the Fourth Heaven.
The virtues associated with Garnet are said to be true friendship, passion, success, fidelity, devotion, faith, energy, self-esteem, truth, and consistency. It is also believed to sharpen your perception of others and yourself. Traditionally, Garnets have been given to friends upon parting to symbolise affection and as an assurance of meeting again in the future.
With their red colouring, they are also said to be an especially feminine stone, imbued with female properties, and with a strong connection to passion. When given as a piece of birthstone jewellery to a loved one, it promises devotion and love, making it an ideal gift for someone special who has a January birthday.
Whether you choose a January Garnet birthstone Pandora charm as the ideal birthday gift, or whether you opt for a piece of stunning gold jewellery, there’s no more meaningful and symbolic way to show the recipient how much they are loved and appreciated.
