January’s Birthstone, the Garnet, is a Vibrant Start to the Year

Winter skies may be gray, but January’s birthstone, the garnet, lends a sparkle that brightens the day. While they’re commonly red—ranging from rust to deep violet-red—garnets are actually found in a range of colors, including clear, pink, green (“tsavorite”), orange, yellow, brown, and black.

Interesting facts

• Its name comes from Latin “granantum,” or seed—it resembles a pomegranate seed
• Varieties include: green demantoid, orange spessartite, red pyrope, and pink rhodolite. There are even garnets that change color from blue to purple, depending on the light.
• Garnets have been found dating back to the Bronze Age. According to the American Gem Society, Egyptians believed the garnet was the symbol of life.
• Interest in the gemstone rose in the Victorian era. They were used in engagement rings and beautiful cluster pendants and pins.
• Low-grade garnets make good abrasives and can actually cut through steel.

How to buy garnets

Color’s most important. Be sure to look at the stone in artificial and natural light—the color should be very saturated and rich—with a lot of sparkle. Most red garnets don’t have inclusions; others, like orange garnets can have inclusions that are visible to the eye and can add drama to the stone. Almandine, the most common red garnet, is available in larger size, so the price won’t rise dramatically if you want a more substantial stone.

Caring for your garnet jewelry

While garnets are relatively hard—6.5-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale—they can be damaged by rubbing against harder stones, like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. But garnet jewelry can also scratch softer stones, like opals. That means storing your jewelry correctly can mean the difference between shiny, intact gems and stones with scratches. As with most gemstones, it’s best to clean them with a soft brush and warm, soapy water.

Healing properties and meanings

According to the GIA, Indian astrology says that a garnet helps eliminate depression and offers self-confidence and mental clarity. It’s also believed that this gem purifies, balances, and enhances energy, bringing courage and hope to the wearer. In particular, a red garnet represents love and brings devotion, trust, and honesty to a relationship.

Enjoy January’s birthstone and remember to protect your garnet jewelry, all your valuables, beginning with an updated jewelry appraisal. The process is easy—it begins by contacting me to set up an appointment at 617-304-0174 or by email at aimee@ambappraisal.com.

Brilliantly yours, Aimee