This is the birthstone for those born in January, whose Zodiac sign is Capricorn. The name Garnet appears to originate with the Latin granatum malum, the name for pomegranate, a bush which produces a red fruit with seeds thereby making the most popular shade of garnet, one similar to red wine.
Garnets given as a gift signify eternal friendship and trust, although the red colour is full of passion, it’s deep shade tempers any volatility associated with the hue. In this way garnet does reflect the values of constancy, friendship, and fidelity. Those born in the month of January have the pleasure of identifying with the beautiful, deep red garnet gemstone and all it embodies.
It is an old gemstone and references to it, dates back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays jewelry. These group of minerals referred to as garnets, comes in a rainbow of colours, from the deep red of the pyrope garnet to the vibrant green of tsavorites. Garnet occurs in every color except blue and most varieties are named for their color i.e. Rhodolite is a purplish red. Today, the most important sources for garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka, and India.
Though garnet jewels are beautiful and can be quite expensive, the stone isn’t often considered to be a flashy choice. Garnets do need to be handled with care, however, as they are not nearly as strong as other gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires, or diamonds.
Tiffany & Co published a series of birthstone verses in 1870, which reflect the commonly recognized stones for each birth month. Here’s what the famous jewelers had to say about January:
“By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.”
Whether or not you believe a gemstone truly has the power to instill such qualities, they can at least be reminders that help us draw on our innate capacities for them. According to jewelsforme.com, mystical properties associated with garnet include healing properties for inflammatory diseases and all things related to blood. It’s also thought to encourage self-esteem and truthfulness, as well as warding off nightmares and depression.
Just as January is the first month of a new year, garnet is said to be a good stone to wear when embarking on a new venture or moving to a new city.
Have you got a Garnet in your jewellery box?
Xoxo
AngelBaiye
eTransformed 