Gemstones have been worn and admired for centuries. Not only because of their unique beauty but because of their healing and spiritual properties. While gemstones have been popular since ancient times, it's thought that the idea of birthstones dates back to the Breastplate of Aaron. Worn by the High Priest of the Israelites, this breastplate contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Today, there are birthstones for every month of the year. Each has a special meaning, a unique history and comes in a variety of shades. The first is the January birthstone.
January Birthstone Overview:
- What is garnet?
- What colour is January's birthstone?
- Where is garnet found?
- January birthstone alternatives
- January birthstone jewellery
What Is Garnet?
Garnet is the January birthstone (and also the Aquarius birthstone). Garnet is the term used to refer to a group of silicate minerals that have similar physical attributes, but different chemical structures.
The word garnet comes from the 14th-century Middle English word gernet, which means 'dark red'. It may also have its origins in the Latin word granatus, from granum ('grain, seed'). It is said by some that this is a reference to 'pomegranate' (punica granatum), a fruit with seeds that resemble garnet.
Garnet Fact Sheet
| General formula: | X3Y2(SiO4)3 |
| Main varieties of garnet: |
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| Hardness: | 6.57.5 |
| Colours: | Usually red, but also brown, black, green, yellow, orange, pink, white, and colourless. Very rarely blue. |
| Spiritual meaning: | Garnet symbolises love and positive emotion. |
| Health benefits: | Garnet has many health benefits, including for the cardiovascular system, which leads to healthy organs, circulation and a general feeling of good health. Garnet is also said to boost the immune system and improve energy levels. |
What Colour Is The January Birthstone?
Garnet is usually a red colour. However, because there are many different types of garnet, it can also appear in a multitude of colours, from yellow and orange to pink, blue and green.
Colour-changing garnet has also been discovered in Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania. It's a rare and beautiful form of garnet that changes colour depending on what light source is used. Generally, it appears greenish when under fluorescent light (such as indoors), but looks red or purple or reddish-purple when in incandescent light.
Where Is Garnet Found?
First discovered in Ancient Egypt, this beautiful coloured gemstone can now be found all over the world. The different species and types of garnet are mined everywhere, from Russia and Namibia to Sri Lanka. However, the top producers of garnet are Australia, the US and China.
January Birthstone Alternatives
Want to celebrate your birth month with something other than red garnet jewellery? For those of you born in January, you actually have a wide choice of alternative birthstone jewellery! These are:
January Gemstone Jewellery
At Shiels, we have a wide and beautiful selection of garnet jewellery. From statement garnet rings to dainty garnet necklaces, garnet pendants and stunning garnet bracelets and garnet earrings, you're sure to find the perfect modern birthstone January piece.
Ranging from pale to dark crimson red, our range of Aquarius birthstone jewellery will be your new go-to for any outfit or occasion.
Want to sparkle from head to toe? We've picked out a few of our favourite garnet jewellery items below:
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Shop now online or in-store for incredible gemstone jewellery for you and your loved ones. You can also buy now and pay later with a range of interest-free finance options.
