Glimmering Garnet: January’s Birthstone

What better way to start the new year than with a touch of passion? You’re in luck if you or your loved ones have a January birthday!  This month’s birthstone, the garnet, mostly known for its deep red hue, brings warmth to the new year!  The fiery gemstone is said to inspire love and its meanings also include friendship, trust, guidance, and power. It is also known as a second-anniversary gift.

Butterfly Flowers in Red Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from India Garnet: january's Birthstone

While garnets come in several colors, its most famous shade is a bright, luminous red, reminiscent of pomegranate seeds. No wonder the gemstones have adorned pharaohs as well as kings throughout the ages. The legend even goes that Plato had his portrait engraved on a garnet. And, it is said that the only source of light in Noah’s Ark came from the light provided by garnets.

Thanks to its incredible luster, the gemstone is amazing in a variety of jewelry types, whether it’s chandelier earrings, necklaces or men’s rings.

Scarlet Droplets Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Waterfall Garnet Necklace Glimmering Garnet: January's Birthstone

The Scarlet Droplets necklace featured above, from Bhavesh, a jewelry artisan from India, is feminine and sophisticated. Set against sterling silver, it emphasizes the brightness of the garnet, making a simple yet elegant piece.

A perfect complement to this necklace could be the Scarlet Solitaire garnet earrings, featured below. These earrings, from artist Alok Jain in India, are also beautiful and elegant in their simplicity.

Scarlet Solitaire Earrings Handcrafted Garnet and Sterling Silver Dangle Glimmering Garnet: January's Birthstone

Let’s not forget a garnet bracelet!

Garnet Floral Handmade Garnet and Sterling Silver Floral Bangle Bracelet Glimmering Garnet: January's Birthstone

Garnets are also to be found in men’s contemporary jewelry, such as the Gift of Peace ring from Indonesian artist, Nyoman Rena or the sterling silver garnet cufflinks from Indian artist, Shubhra Singh, featured below.

Cross Sterling Silver Garnet Cufflinks Men's Jewelry Glimmering Garnet: January's Birthstone

Garnets come in pretty much every color, including bright yellows and oranges, deep purples and spectacular greens. Until recently, it was thought that the only color not represented was blue. But in the 1990s, color-changing blue garnets were discovered in Madagascar, making them the rarest and most valuable. These stones change color from blue-green to purple depending on the color temperature of viewing light, as a result of the high amounts of vanadium.

Other color-changing garnets include garnets that range from shades of green, beige, brown, gray, and blue, but in bright light, become red or purple. Garnet always pairs well with other gemstones, enhancing the beauty of all.

If you believe in the power of stone healing, garnets are said to heal inflammatory disorders, bring peace and increase sensuality.  They also pair so well with other gemstones, enhancing the beauty of all.

Multi-gemstone chakra ring, 'Positivity' sterling silver garnet amethyst peridot topaz Glimmering Garnet: january's Birthstone

So, go ahead; celebrate the New Year in style and browse all the beautiful garnet pieces on NOVICA. Not only will you bring warmth to your loved one, (or yourself!) but you will make a difference by helping artisans and their families around the world!

 

 

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