January, the month that marks the start of a brand new year and for Australians, is a time of summer and fun. For those who have the pleasure of being born during this joyful time, their birthstone is the ever-beautiful garnet.
Birthstones are characterised by the period of time that you were born and are determined by your zodiac and birth month. Gemstones have been worn and used as embellishments and decolletage since ancient times and their connection to astrology can be dated back centuries. It is western custom to wear your birthstone in jewellery such as gemstone necklaces, gemstone pendants, gemstone rings and gemstone bracelets.
Overview:
What is the Birthstone for January?
The birthstone for January is garnet. Garnet has a glorious red colour that radiates confidence and is a real statement piece wherever you go. This stunning stone is one that glows with warmth, reflecting the personality of Capricorn and Aquarius babies. These stones are usually red, but they can also come in a variety of other colours like orange, yellow and sometimes even purple, therefore, no matter what your aesthetic is, you can find a garnet stone to suit you.
The name 'garnet' originates from the Latin word meaning 'pomegranate', reminiscent of an ancient story in Greek Mythology. Garnets have been used since the Bronze Age and in ancient Egypt, pharaoh's necklaces were embellished with garnets. Not only this, but in Rome but garnet signet rings were used to stamp the wax of important documents.
Garnet is found in many different regions and countries, however, Bohemia was the major source of red garnets during the Victorian era. However, today the African continent supplies most of the world's garnet, as well as other Southern California and various other places too.
This gemstone is suitable for wear in garnet rings and garnet necklaces as it ranks between a 6.5 to a 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. In saying that, they are more susceptible to damage, so you should try not to wear them everyday and install a cleaning routine to maintain their lustre and shine. Garnet earrings, brooches and pendants are ideal because they are more protected from outside forces.
What Is The Meaning Of Garnet?
Garnets have a long history of meanings in astrology and spiritual connections to creativity and love. In Greek Mythology, Persephone, the Goddess of vegetation was kidnapped by Hades, the God of the Underworld. She was told that she could only return to the surface world if she didn't eat any food in that realm, however, she ate pomegranate seeds - causing her to be trapped there for many months. Because of garnet's association with pomegranate seeds, the stone has come to represent the safe return of a friend or loved one. This is why the garnet stone is said to protect travellers on big adventures and is often exchanged as a token of protection.
Garnet is thought to cleanse and re-energise the chakras, revitalising and purifying your energy. It brings serenity and inspires love and devotion, which makes it an emotional balancing stone. It is also exchanged between friends as a sign of commitment and dedication. If you have a friend who is born in January, then a piece of garnet jewellery is a meaningful and beautiful present idea.
Our Favourite Garnet Jewellery:
9ct Yellow Gold Garnet Pear Drop Earrings
Step out in classic style with these beautiful earrings. The drop earrings can be dressed up or down with ease. Pear earrings are elegant and will make your look stand out from the crowd. We love the contrast between garnet and gold, and their warm tones complement each other wonderfully.
9ct Yellow Gold Garnet Pear Drop Earrings
$119.00
$299.00
With two sparkling garnets, we love these 9ct yellow gold earrings for a twist on a classic.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 8mm 2.85 Carat Cushion Cut Garnet Ring
A stunning ring, this garnet piece is unlike any other. A real statement ring, the cushion cut gemstone has lovely facets that glitters beautifully. The band has a split shank that looks as though it is holding the gemstones in place.
9ct Yellow Gold 8mm 2.85 Carat Cushion Cut Garnet Ring
$934.00
Please contact us regarding special order enquiries for this ring. All ring sizes can be specially ordered, with delivery approximately 6-8 weeks.… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Garnet Pendant
This lovely pendant is a stunning design that really stands out. A halo design has a centre stone surrounded by flower petals. The marvellous stones dazzling amazingly with their intricate facets and the deep red colour contrasts the warm yellow metals.
9ct Yellow Gold Garnet Pendant
$699.00
This stunning 9ct Yellow Gold Garnet Pendant takes the form of a beautiful flower, sparkling and bursting with light like the sun. A gorgeous oval cut garnet takes centre stage, cut to perfection and full of deep red colour. This… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Silver Filled Garnet Belcher Bracelet
A traditional piece, this belcher bracelet is one that you will adore for a lifetime. Crafted in the warm tones of yellow gold with round links that sit comfortably on the wrist. The classic pendant clasp is heartwarming with its classy designs and striking red gemstone at its centre.
$574.50
The impeccable design and intricacy of this 9ct Yellow Gold Silver Filled Garnet Belcher Bracelet is apparent the moment you lay eyes on it. Fall in love with sweeping yellow gold leaves and embellishment that perfectly accentuate it’s red garnet… read more9ct Yellow Gold Silver Filled Garnet Belcher Bracelet
$1,149.00
For those who are born in January and have the pleasure of having garnet as your birthstone, you are especially lucky! This marvellous stone has a unique colour that is filled with character and wonderful meanings. Explore our whole range of birthstone jewellery and get yourself or someone special a piece that they will adore.
