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Gemstone Jewelry, Gift IdeasJanuary Birthstone: Garnet
Garnet is a family of gems as opposed to a single stone. Most often recognized as a dark red stone, it can in fact be found in an array of colors including green, red, yellow and orange. There are no blue garnets. The value of a stone is determined by the rarity of the color and the quality of the gemstone.  The color is dependent on a combination of elements such as iron, calcium and manganese within the gemstone.
Roberta Z Brazilian Garnet, Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
The garnet has been found all around the globe, especially in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America and in the U.S. The Garnet Queen Mine in Idaho produces a highly saturated deep red garnet which has been compared to rubies. Industrial grade garnets are used as abrasives for commercial grinding and polishing.
Garnets have been found in Egyptian grave goods as early as the Bronze Age, around 3000 B.C. Artifacts incorporating garnets were considered to be amulets or talismans for protection and light in the afterlife.
Garnets have biblical connections. Legend has it that garnets are capable of creating fire and illumination. It’s said that Noah used garnets to light the ark’s pathway and interior. King Solomon is believed to have worn garnets in battle. Aaron, described in Exodus as a high priest, wear a breastplate, made by Moses as directed by God during his forty days in the wilderness. In mid to late 1300 B.C. twelve stones were selected to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The garnet was chosen by Judah, Jacob’s son. These stones later became what we now call birthstones.
Spessartine Garnet
As time progressed, other cultures associated garnets with illumination. Indians rubbed themselves with garnets to obtain their glow. Garnets were said to light the palace of the Abyssinian monarch. Scandinavians utilized garnets as grave goods to light the passage to the afterlife. Tribal societies such as
the Maya, Aztec, Native American and African tribes used garnets as a medicinal remedy. Ground, heated, and consumed, garnets were thought to cure fever, jaundice, and even nightmares. In the Middle Ages, garnets protected against poison and cured illnesses related to blood and infection.
During India’s Kashmir rebellion of 1892, garnets were used as bullets because they were thought to be more deadly than lead. Here, garnets were mistaken for rubies as a talisman against evil. The Crusaders were thought to wear garnets to protect themselves in battle and to allow for a safe return home. Garnets were popular gems among European royalty, including Queen Victoria, Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Russian czarinas.
Garnet Earrings by EminJewelry
According to Greek Mythology, garnets are derived from pomegranate seeds. The Underworld God, Hades, fell in love with Persephone and kidnapped her to take her to the Underworld. Zeus, the most powerful God, sent Hermes, to obtain her release and light her passage to safety. Hades, deeply saddened, but knowing he must obey Zeus, gifted Persephone with a pomegranate. He knew once she ate the seeds, she’d have to have more and would eventually return to him. Persephone did return for three months every year. This created winter for the three months each year she left to be with Hades. Pomegranate seeds, or garnets, came to symbolize a protection for loved ones who travel and as a cure for broken romance.
Whether you see it as superstition or a talisman against fate, Garnets are thought to protect travelers, fight against evil, cure illness and nightmares, and create strong ties for romance and friendship. Found in rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings, they come in a variety of vibrant colors and, depending on the rarity and quality of the stone, a large price range. Garnets make excellent gifts not only for their beauty but for their rich history and symbolism.
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