January birthstone: Garnet
MEANING & HISTORY
The name Garnet originates from the latin granatus, meaning "pomegranate"
because of the red color.
Garnets have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones.
Necklaces with red garnets adorned the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
Signet rings in ancient Rome featured garnet intaglios.
The nobility of the Middle Ages had a preference for red garnets.
The garnets came from the historic mines in Bohemia and they
were extremely popular during the Victorian era (1837–1901).
Curious about your garnet birthstone’s reputed health benefits?
According to Indian astrology, garnet helps eliminate negative feelings
and instill greater self-confidence and mental clarity
to promote creative thinking and peace of mind.
In ancient and medieval times, gems like garnet were also thought to be remedies for
inflammatory diseases and to soothe the angry heart.