The New Year is already here and with it brings celebrations in the form of glitter, confetti and garnet – the birthstone of January. Every Capricorn and Aquarius knows that their signature deep red gemstone is one of the most dramatic and eye-catching jewels in history.
Let’s start the New Year off right by diving into what makes these vivid stones so sought after so you can gift one to the January darling in your life.
ABOUT
Garnet gemstones are found most often in a warm red shade but can come in a variety of colors including green, yellow and fiery orange. Garnets are not tampered with chemically or otherwise to enhance their color or appearance which makes their rich pigment that much more beautiful.
The world of garnets is also rich in rarities like star garnets and stones whose color changes depending on the lighting. The stones have a good hardness and are generally insensitive and uncomplicated to work with. The high refractive index causes great brilliance in the stones, which are found all over the world.
HISTORY
These stones are common in antique jewelry for good reason. They have much history and have been used in jewelry for centuries, including in pieces found from early Egypt, Greek and Roman times. Long thought of as a travellers’ stone, garnet has also been associated with feelings of security, stability, compassion and self-confidence. Garnet is even linked to the root chakra in the traditional Hindu belief systems. It is said that Noah used a garnet lantern to help him steer his ark through the dark night.
HOW TO WEAR
Garnets are fabulous when featured in necklaces, pendants, brooches and bracelets. Vintage pieces offer beautifully unique settings in everything from hairpins to sizeable rings. Traditional garnet jewelry from the mines of Central Europe typically feature small, closely set stones that appear similar to pomegranate seeds.
More modern designs such as drilled garnet stacked earrings, square cut garnets or garnets set into smooth, sleek silver have been explored in more recent years. Garnets work well as the central focus in a piece or can be mixed with other gemstones of contrasting color to create an innovative look.
Now that you’ve learned a bit about January’s birthstone, garnet, be sure to visit Gold Unlimited to select a piece that’s right for you or your loved one. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Don’t worry. We will work with you to custom design a signature piece that’s just right.
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Sources
http://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/garnet/garnet-info.php