January is the first in our series of posts featuring monthly birthstones.
Calling all January babies! You're special birthstone is Garnet. We're all familiar with the deep cranberry red garnet, but did you know it is found in many other colors? And some garnets change color in different lighting. The name ‘Garnet’ originates from the medieval Latin word granatus, meaning ‘seeds,’ owing to its captivating resemblance to pomegranate seeds. One could easily mistake garnets as lush seeds of the fruit.
Fun Facts:
Garnet is January’s birthstone and the gemstone for the 2nd wedding anniversary.
The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word granatus, which means pomegranate.
It is believed that a garnet was one of the four gemstones that God gave to Solomon.
In ancient Egypt, pharaohs wore necklaces adorned with red garnets.
Carved garnets were used in ancient Rome to stamp the wax on sealed documents.
Warriors used garnets for protection against accidents and beloved they brought victory.
Throughout time, garnets were believed to cure depression, protect against bad dreams and wounds.
A red garnet bead necklace discovered in an ancient Egyptian tomb is believed to be over 5,000 years old
Garnets are found all over the world. They are usually close to the Earth’s surface and easily mined. The Garnet stone is created when rock and aluminum content combine together
It is believed that Garnets are purifying, protection stones. They can help rid the body and mind of toxins and negative thoughts. In medieval times, many people thought garnets protected against bad dreams, wounds and poisons.
In Staffordshire, England, a man using a metal detector discovered a large collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork in 2009. Known as the Staffordshire hoard, the artifacts date to the 6th and 7th century. They include 3,500 pieces of garnet cloisonné jewelry.