What Is the January Birthstone?
The January birthstone is the garnet; it’s also the gemstone for the second wedding anniversary (“Garnet”).
What Is the History of the January Birthstone?
The word garnet derives from the word gernet, a 14th century Middle English word meaning “dark red.” Gernet comes from the Latin granatum, which means “seed,” because of the garnet’s similarity to beautiful red pomegranate seeds (“January Birthstones”).
The garnet has been super popular throughout history.
Because the garnet is such a durable gemstone, people have used this stunning gemstone for hundreds of years for jewelry and inlays.
Historians have found pieces of garnet jewelry dating as far back as the Bronze Age. Egyptians in 3100 BC used the garnet as inlays in their jewelry and carvings; they referred to it as the symbol of life (“Garnet History”).
Persians considered the January birthstone a talisman from nature’s forces, like thunder and lightning. They believed the garnet could signal approaching danger by turning pale (“Garnet”).
The Romans in the third and fourth centuries also used the garnet gemstone as a talisman for protection when going into battle and to ward off pestilence and plague. Ancient healers and wise men would place garnets into wounds for their healing power (“Garnet History”).
Ancient Romans often used garnet gemstones in signet rings, and the nobility greatly favored garnets during the Middle Ages (“Garnet History”).
During the Victorian Era, gemologists created jewelry with garnets that mimicked its pomegranate namesake, with clusters of tiny red gems forming larger statement pieces (“Garnet History”).
What Are the Properties of the January Birthstone?
Many people believe that the garnet brings joy and strength to the wearer; it's also believed by some that it can provide energy, courage, and assurance. People associate the garnet with greater will power, self confidence, and success.
Crystal healers believe the garnet has the power to help you free yourself from negative behaviors. They say it can help you combat discouragement, depression, and failure.
They also believe that the January birthstone promotes self respect and helps you face obstacles.
So get help to face your obstacles today!