The January baby has an intriguing birthstone for keeps – the Garnet - known for its deep red colour and remarkable characteristics. Here's everything you need to know about this stunning January birthstone colour.
What colour is garnet? Among these, which is the most valuable?
While most people assume garnets only come in a red hue, they can actually appear in a range of colours, including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and colourless. This is due to the fact that this January birthstone consists mainly of silicate minerals formed by the metamorphosis of large sedimentary rocks. These minerals play a crucial role in determining a garnet's colour, hardness, and transparency.
Red variety of Garnets are the most common in the market, ranging from reddish to purplish pink.
Also available is Spessartine, which comes in shades of oranges and yellows. One of the purest varieties of Spessartine is the Mandarin Garnet. Unequivocally orange, the purer the colour, the more valuable – at DeGem, we only stock the most vibrant of Mandarin Garnet.
There's also Grossularite, which comes in everything from greens to brown-reds to yellows. Of these, the most precious variety is a brilliant green colour, also referred to as Tsavorite Garnet – a signature gemstone also available at DeGem.
Generally, when it comes to garnets, the more eye-clean, the more valuable.
History Of Garnets
The name "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatum," meaning "seed" — suggesting its resemblance to the colour and size of pomegranate seeds.
Garnets have an illustrious past, and can be found in abundance everywhere throughout ancient civilization. They've been used as gemstones and abrasives since the Bronze Age, for instance. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore jewellery studded with garnets, while Roman signet rings included garnet intaglios for stamping wax. Garnets were held in high esteem even in medieval Europe, where clergy and nobles proudly wore these beautiful gemstones. Victorians, renowned for their aesthetic adroitness, were also taken by their beauty.
Today, garnets are largely sourced from the African continent. Among other places, this January birthstone can also be found in the Middle East, Myanmar, Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka.
What do garnets represent?
In astrology, the garnet birthstone is said to promote creative thinking and mental clarity, believed to eliminate negative feelings such as depression or guilt. Historically, this January birthstone was also believed to safeguard the wearer from harm — a belief that, as you can imagine, made it very popular amongst ancient warriors and royalty alike.
Today, garnets, with their opulent red colour, are believed to enhance one's quality of life, instilling newfound passions and zest. The deep red hue of the stone is also associated with love and desire, making it a perfect gift for a loved one.
Caring For Your Garnet Birthstone
The garnet birthstone is more susceptible to damage compared to other birthstones such as rubies, sapphires as well as diamonds. This is due to its Mohs hardness rating of 6.5 to 7.5, a rating that makes it ideal for use in earrings, pendants, and brooches.
Hard objects can scratch the stone, so it's important to store your garnet away from other gemstones. The best way to do this is to keep it in a soft cloth or fabric-lined pouch.
When cleaning your garnet jewellery, use a soft, lint-free cloth and warm soapy water. Avoid exposing your garnet gemstone to sudden temperature changes, strong chemicals, and harsh cleaners, as these can cause damage. After cleaning, pat it dry before storing.
Conclusion
Discernment of quality gemstones with value is what we do best at DeGem, as we source straight from ethical mines. The garnet is a classic and timeless gemstone — few gems possess such rich, warm colours. Whether you're looking for a gift for a loved one or something special for yourself, this January birthstone colour is sure to impress. Browse DeGem’s collection of gemstone jewellery in one of our stores near you, or Message us to make an appointment.
