"By her who in January was born
no gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity."
Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.
Garnet is also the Zodiac stone for the constellation of Aquarius (January 21 - February 19).
The name garnet is said to come from the Latin word "granatus" (grain) because the stones were compared to the luscious red seeds of the pomegranate. Although red is the most common color of garnet gems, this stone comes in a myriad of colors such as black, green, clear and several shades of red and orange. Garnets are a sturdy stone that can stand up to much abuse which makes them an excellent stone for everyday wear.
Garnets are commonly found as small pebbles in streams, where the igneous and metamorphic rocks that contain them have weathered away. They're found in many places around the world, including north and South America, Australia, India, Asia and Spain.
The garnet has many places in history and tradition. Hebrew tradition says that one of the 12 stones in the breastplate of Aaron was a garnet. noah is said to have directed the noah's Ark through the great storm by using the light of a garnet. Christians associate the garnet with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and is thus connected to the idea of salvation.
Garnets have been thought to provide protection for the wearer. Medieval warriors wore garnets to ward off being wounded in battle and as lucky talismans, thought to help bring victory. Centuries before that, it said that King Solomon also wore garnets into battle.
Garnet is the stone for those born under the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. The deep red color also resonates with the passionate nature of Scorpio and the fiery nature of Aries. In Vedic astrology, the garnet is a stone of protection. In numerology, garnets are associated with the number 2.
A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. Garnets are also said to provide a valuable source of protection and to enhance friendships, alleviate a sense of isolation, mitigate stubbornness, improve self-confidence, and provide balance. Garnets are lucky for love, success and for achieving goals. It is January's birthstone , but far from being only a winter gem, the garnet, with its brilliance and multitude of colors, is truly a gem for any season.
One of the great things about garnets is that they don't require any special care! They are fairly resistant to chipping and scratching, don't change color with exposure to heat or light, and can safely be cleaned by any of the common jewelry-cleaning methods, including steam and ultrasound (though warm soapy water and a soft brush is recommended).
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