The birthstones for January are garnet and emerald. While both gemstones are considered lucky for those born in January, garnet is the primary or traditional birthstone while emerald is the alternate or secondary birthstone for this month.
The History of Birthstones
The idea of birthstones dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Romans, Greeks, and Hebrews believed that certain gemstones had mystical powers and could bring good luck, health, and prosperity to those who wore them. The tradition of specific birthstones for each month dates back to a breastplate worn by Aaron, the brother of Moses in the Bible. This breastplate was decorated with 12 different gemstones that corresponded with the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, these 12 gemstones started being associated with the 12 months of the Gregorian calendar.
By the 18th century, there was a widely accepted list that assigned a special gemstone to each month. However, in 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) adopted a standardized list which associated a single primary birthstone with each month. Later, secondary birthstones were also added to some months as alternative options. This list from 1912 is the basis for the modern birthstone calendar that we use today.
Garnet – The Traditional January Birthstone
Garnet has been the traditional birthstone for January for over 100 years. Long considered a talisman of protection and strength, garnets were popular as far back as 3100 B.C.E. in ancient Egypt. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatum” meaning seed, because of the grape-like clusters in which garnet crystals grow. Garnets come in many colors from deep red to vibrant green. The most prized variety is the deep red pyrope garnet. This lush garnet resembles pomegranate seeds and is a symbol of life and fertility. Legend says garnets also light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. No wonder they are a perfect birthday gift for January babies!
Garnet Properties
| Color | Red, green, yellow, brown, black, pink, purple |
| Hardness | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.71 to 1.94 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.5 to 4.3 |
Garnets have excellent hardness and durability which makes them ideal for use in jewelry. The refractive index measures how much light is bent by the stone. The higher the refractive index number, the more sparkle a gemstone will have. Garnets have a high refractive index, so they are very brilliant and eye-catching.
Emerald – The Modern January Birthstone
Emerald was adopted as a secondary or alternate birthstone for January in 1952. This lush green variety of beryl has been one of the most coveted gemstones for centuries. Its verdant color represents life and renewal, making it an appropriate symbol for January babies starting a new year of life. Cleopatra was an avid emerald collector, and ancient South American civilizations prized emeralds as symbols of fertility. Emeralds are also said to have healing powers and the ability to enhance memory and eyesight.
Emerald Properties
| Color | Green |
| Hardness | 7.5 to 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.57 to 1.58 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.67 to 2.78 |
Emeralds have excellent hardness like garnets, so they are also very durable for jewelry use. However, emeralds have a lower refractive index than garnets, so they are not quite as brilliant. The intense green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. Emeralds are the rarest and most valuable members of the beryl family.
How to Choose a January Birthstone
Those born in January are lucky to have not just one, but two beautiful birthstones to choose from. When selecting a January birthstone, consider the following factors:
- Color preferences – Emerald is always green, while garnet comes in every color but blue.
- Budget – Precious emerald is considerably more expensive than semi-precious garnet.
- Styling – The deep red garnet suits traditional, vintage, or boho looks. Bright green emerald is bolder and more modern.
- Meaning – Garnet symbolizes devotion, energy, and warmth. Emerald represents wisdom, growth, peace, and patience.
- Astrology – Garnet aligns with Capricorn. Emerald resonates with Aquarius later in January.
The two stones have different looks, meanings, and price points. Garnet offers an affordable and diverse alternative for those who love emerald’s green allure but not the lofty price tag. They also perfectly complement each other when worn together. No matter which January birthstone you choose, both garnet and emerald make meaningful and beautiful birthday gifts.
Conclusion
While garnet has historically been the primary birthstone for January, emerald joined it as a secondary option in the 20th century. Garnet comes in a rainbow of colors and is relatively affordable, while precious emerald is a rich green and very valuable. January babies are lucky to have two gorgeous birthstones steeped in meaning, legend, and history to choose from. Whether you prefer traditional garnet or glamorous emerald, they make the perfect gift for celebrating a January birthday.
