January Birthstone A Guide To Garnet

There is no better way to ring in the new year than with a stunning garnet necklace or bracelet. There’s enough fashion for the whole year in January’s birthstone. Which is known for its vibrant colour. To find out all there is to know about this beautiful treasure, keep reading.

What is the January birthstone?

The brilliantly red gemstone known as garnet is the birthstone for the month of January. Garnets are a collection of minerals that may be any colour you can imagine, including the world-famous red (see more below). The gemstone garnet is most often found in Africa, although it is also found in Russia, India, and Central and South America.

There are many legends around the name Garnet. As a reflection of the vibrant red colour of the tasty fruit’s seeds, the name derives from the Latin word for pomegranate. A term meaning “dark red” in Middle English from the fourteenth century is where our modern name comes from.

The Symbolism and Meaning of Garnet

According to popular belief, the January birthstone represents friendship, loyalty, strength, and endurance. The soothing and protecting properties of garnets, as well as their ability to capture dreams, have long been believed by many.

However, that’s not all! People also believe it may make them happy, wealthy, and healthy. It is said to balance your energy, which is why some people call it the energizer gemstone.

What colour is the January Birthstone?

Garnets may be instantly recognisable by their brilliant red hue but there is a wide range of tones available in this gemstone. This gemstone really offers a wide spectrum of colours, including greens, soothing blues, and warm oranges. The gemstone’s light transmission determines the intensity of the garnet’s colour, which might be opaque or very bright.

A Brief History of the January Birthstone

For ages, garnet has been a popular gemstone. Garnet jewellery has its roots in ancient Egypt, when it was buried with pharaohs along with other valuables. Even in ancient times, garnets were thought to heal rifts in relationships. The crusaders may have thought the diamond would protect them from harm or lead them to triumph.

There are those who think garnet has a biblical origin, citing the story of how Noah lit his ark using a garnet lantern. In Greek mythology, garnets appear as well; the stone is linked to radiance and trust.

Royal families across Europe joined the garnet craze once bigger amounts were found—about 1500.

Understanding Garnet’s Sensitivity and Fragility

The Mohs Scale of Hardness rates garnets between 6.5 and 7.5, making them quite durable. This makes garnets an excellent option for daily wear, but even if you’re clumsy, it’s best to be gentle with your gemstone.

Practical Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Garnet Jewellery

The following are some rules to follow if you want your January birthstone jewellery to keep shining all year:

Get a basin of hot water ready.
Put mild dish soap in.
Dip into water.
Get rid of any dirt or dust by using a brush with soft bristles.
Remove jewellery by wiping it with a damp, clean towel.
Let it dry naturally.
Additional choices:
    In the absence of any cracks in your garnet, you may clean it with an ultrasonic tool.
    STEAM CLEANING IS NOT ADVISABLE
Use delicate fabric jewellery pouches or boxes to keep your garnet items safe.

What Are the Other January Birthstones?

Rose quartz and garnet are two of the birthstones associated with the month of January. The cotton candy pink hue of this secondary birthstone is said to provide its owner an abundance of love and pleasure.

Rose quartz, like garnet, has a long history of use. According to legend, women in the ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures used rose quartz as a skin care product.