The traditional birthstone for January is garnet. Garnets are a group of minerals that come in a variety of colors like red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. The most common color is red. Here are some key facts about garnets as the January birthstone:
History and Lore
Garnets have been used as gemstones and in jewelry for thousands of years. Some interesting facts about the history and lore of garnet:
– Garnets were some of the earliest gemstones used by ancient civilizations, dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological evidence shows garnet jewelry being worn in Egypt as early as 3100 B.C.E.
– In ancient Greek mythology, garnets were seen as the symbol of eternal friendship and trust. The word “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatum” meaning seed or grain, in reference to the grape-like clusters in which garnets sometimes grow.
– During the Middle Ages in Europe, garnets were popular among clergy and aristocracy. Red garnets symbolized faith, truth, and constancy. They were also thought to protect their wearers while traveling.
– The Bohemian garnet from the former Kingdom of Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) became popular during the Victorian era. These deep red stones in antique jewelry are now prized by collectors.
– Today garnets are the modern January birthstone, as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It replaced the traditional birthstone for January, which was the red zircon.
Colors and Varieties
While red is the most common, garnets actually come in every color. Here are some of the key varieties, colors, and characteristics:
– Pyrope garnets are a deep red color and known as the classic Bohemian garnet. They have high refraction, producing a lot of fire.
– Almandine garnets range from red to reddish-brown and are the most common variety. Dark red almandine is the traditional January birthstone.
– Rhodolite garnets are a mix of pyrope and almandine, displaying a vibrant raspberry red color.
– Spessartine garnets are orange or yellow-orange. These are rarer and valuable. The pure orange is called Mandarin garnet.
– Grossularite garnets come in many colors like yellow, brown, green, and orange. Tsavorite is a bright green grossularite.
– Uvarovite is a bright green garnet, colored by chromium. It is quite rare.
– Andradite garnets can be yellow, green, brown or black. Topazolite and demantoid are valuable andradite gemstones.
– Mozambique, rhodolite, and tsavorite garnets are recently discovered varieties that have joined the important gem garnets.
| Garnet Variety | Color |
|---|---|
| Pyrope | Red |
| Almandine | Red to reddish-brown |
| Rhodolite | Raspberry red |
| Spessartine | Orange to yellow-orange |
| Grossularite | Various colors like yellow, brown, green |
| Uvarovite | Green |
| Andradite | Yellow, green, brown, black |
Sources and Durability
Garnets are quite durable and abundant, making them great for use in jewelry. Here are some notes about garnet sources and durability:
– Garnets form in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. They crystallize at high temperatures and pressures. Magma from volcanic activity is a major source.
– Major sources for garnet gems include India, Sri Lanka, China, Africa, and the United States. Certain varieties like demantoid and tsavorite come from specific localities.
– Garnets rate between 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them durable for rings and daily wear jewelry. Emerald cut garnets can be fragile.
– Garnets are not treated or enhanced like many other gemstones. What you see is 100% natural garnet. They also have no cleavage planes, so chipping or cracking is minimized.
– Natural garnets are plentiful enough to provide affordable January birthstone jewelry. Synthetic garnets have also been created for some industrial uses.
Meaning and Symbolism
In addition to the January birthstone, garnets have the following symbolic meanings:
– As a January birthstone, garnets are said to bring peace, prosperity and good health. They are thought to boost energy levels and revitalization among people born in January.
– Garnets balance energies in the aura. They can help ground negative energies and transform them to positive vibes.
– The deep red color of garnets is associated with the root chakra, making garnets stones of health and commitment. They bring constancy and self-confidence.
– Garnets promote love, passion, sensuality, intimacy, self-esteem and relationships. Their vibrant red glow is linked to the heart chakra.
– Throughout history, garnets symbolized truth, faith and safety while traveling. Garnets also represent true friendships and are gifted between friends.
– In business, garnets foster order, insights, imagination and popularity. Garnet is the stone for the 2nd anniversary of marriage.
– Garnets offer protection to warriors going into battle and shield women’s health. They were said to cure inflammatory diseases in medieval times.
Jewelry Applications
Garnets are extremely versatile birthstones and can be used in all types of jewelry:
– Garnet rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are popular January birthstone gifts. Garnet engagement rings and anniversary rings are also given.
– Garnets combine especially well with white metals like white gold and sterling silver. The contrast helps the fiery garnet stand out.
– Vintage style garnet jewelry with ornate filigree and engraving is common. Bohemian style garnet pendants and drop earrings are also sought after.
– Garnets produce beautiful statement jewelry. Cabochon garnet rings and pendants show off the gem’s rich color. Large garnet cocktail rings make an impact.
– Demantoid and tsavorite garnets are valued in more upscale designer jewelry. These vivid green garnets complement white or yellow diamonds.
– Mixing different garnet varieties together can create unique color combinations. Rhodolite-almandine garnet suites are stunning.
– While often faceted, garnets also are shaped into many popular calibrated sizes and cuts for jewelry. These include trillion, oval, emerald cut, asscher, cushion, and baguette.
Price and Value
Here are some points about garnet prices and how garnets are valued:
– Garnets vary widely in price depending on the variety, color, clarity, cut quality and carat size. Price overlaps occur between some grades.
– Common almandine and pyrope garnets can start around $15-20 per carat and go up to $80-100 for fine quality gems over 5 carats.
– Rare garnets like demantoid, Mandarin spessartine and tsavorite can range from $500 to over $1000+ per carat for fine stones.
– Large carat garnets over 5 carats are more valuable as they are uncommon. Garnets typically are under 3 carats.
– Color is key. Pure green, orange and red garnets fetch higher prices. Purple, blue and color change garnets are exceptionally rare.
– Clean, eye-clean garnets with good transparency are preferred, especially in sizes over 2 carats. Minor inclusions don’t detract in small garnets.
– Well cut garnets with balanced brilliance have higher value. Calibrated sizes and fancy shapes add value.
– Overall, garnets offer an excellent value as a January birthstone. Even fine garnets remain affordable compared to many other gemstones.
How to Buy January Birthstone Garnets
Here are some tips for buying January birthstone garnet jewelry:
– Buy from reputable sources. Jewelry stores, commercial websites, TV shopping networks offer consumer protections when buying.
– Know what type of garnet you want. Do you want a traditional almandine or pyrope? Or a more rare garnet like rhodolite or demantoid? This will factor into budget and pricing.
– Decide on a setting. Do you want a simple solitaire garnet pendant? Or an ornate ring with garnets and other gemstones? The mounting also impacts the price.
– Look at carat weight and dimensions. Garnet size changes price dramatically. But cut quality and color are also important valuation factors.
– Review any grading report from a lab like GIA. Verify the garnet species, any treatments, and whether it’s natural or synthetic.
– Examine the garnet closely. View it table down to see inside. Watch how it reacts to light. A loupe can help spot flaws not visible to the naked eye.
– Pick the garnet color you really love. While red almandine is traditional, also consider exquisite greens, oranges and purples.
– Set a budget for what you can comfortably afford. Even fine quality garnets are available at lower price points.
– Consider buying loose garnets to have them custom set into a ring, pendant or earrings by a jeweler. This allows the perfect combination of stone and setting.
How to Care for Garnet Jewelry
Garnet jewelry is relatively easy to care for with some basic precautions:
– Store garnets separately so they don’t scratch each other. Use a dedicated jewelry box section, divided jewelry roll slots, or fabric inserted pouches.
– Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme heat which can damage garnets. Do not clean in ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
– Clean garnets in warm water with a mild dish soap and soft brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
– For rings, remove garnet jewelry before physical activities, especially in water. Even everyday garnets can get knocked out of settings.
– Take special care with emerald cut, marquise cut, and other fragile garnet shapes. The corners on these cuts can chip.
– Get garnet jewelry professionally inspected each year. Make sure prongs and settings are still secure. Let your jeweler know if you notice any loose stones.
– Consider having valuable garnet jewelry re-appraised every 2-3 years. Get appraisals updated after any significant remounting or repairs.
Conclusion
Garnets make the perfect traditional January birthstone. They come in all colors of the rainbow, are affordable, and have been prized for thousands of years. Red garnets like pyrope and almandine make stunning and meaningful January birthstone gifts. They also give the other January gemstones – like zircon and emerald – some colorful competition. While garnets are plentiful, buy them from quality sources and give them the care they deserve. January babies are lucky to have such a vibrant, versatile and historic birthstone in the garnet. It brings not just color and fire, but lore, passion and meaning unique among gems. The garnet truly embodies the spirit of January and everyone born in this cold but colorful first month of the year.
