January Birthstone | Garnet

Welcome to the month of January! Garnet is the birthstone for people born in the month of January, signaling a new beginning. Grenadine, in addition to being the birthstone for January, also symbolizes the second year of marriage. Red to burgundy in color, this stone can also be found in a variety of other hues, including green and yellow. To learn more about the history of the January birthstone, garnet, as well as how to properly clean it, keep reading to see some of our favorite pieces of garnet jewelry!

The History of Garnet

The word garnet means "seed" in Greek, where the word "granatum" is derived. For thousands of years, Garnet has been a highly sought-after gemstone. Even ancient Egyptian tombs have garnet necklaces, according to archaeologists. In the ancient Greek and Roman eras, the gemstone was also widely available.

Grief and evil thoughts were said to be banished by wearing garnet in some cultures. A belief held by the Greeks was that those who wore garnet were able to see in the dark.

Caring for your Garnet Jewelry

The Mohs hardness scale places garnet somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5. This means that garnet is a good choice for everyday wear because it is a fairly durable gemstone. In order to preserve the beauty of your garnet jewelry, however, you must take proper care of it. Care Instructions for January Birthstone Jewelry

• You should keep your garnet jewelry separate from other jewelry in order to avoid nicks and scratches.
• After soaking in warm soapy water, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the garnet jewelry clean.
• At least twice a year, have your garnet jewelry professionally cleaned at a place like Diamond Registry.
• Do not wear garnet jewelry while cleaning or doing yard work, as these activities can damage the stone.

Where is Garnet Jewelry Found?

Garnet is mined in Egypt, Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, as well as in other countries.