Everything You Need to Know About January’s Gemstone

Special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries give certain gemstones a unique meaning and purpose. If you enjoy learning about the origin of jewelry, then our newest blog series is for you! Over the next year, we’ll take each monthly gemstone and share fun and interesting facts. Before we get started though, we’d like to take the next few minutes to discuss the history of birthstones as well as how they might fit into your jewelry collection.

Birthstones are gemstones that represent the month a person was born in. These gemstones can be worn in a number of ways including in a ring, bracelet, earrings, or pendant necklace. In some cultures, gemstones are thought to be a sign of protection, prosperity, good luck, and health.

The most common argument for the origination of gemstones is the following: in the first century, there was a Romano-Jewish historian named Josephus, and he believed that there was a link between three things: the 12 months of the year, the 12 stones in the biblical and religious account of Aaron’s breastplate of judgement, and the 12 signs of the zodiac (which follow star constellations). Since then, there have been various updates and traditions adopted, and birthstones today hold many different values to the ones adorning them. Some might choose a birthstone simply because they like the color, while others may wear it because it symbolizes something momentous for them.

In addition to the above, there have been many myths, legends, and lore surrounding birthstones and the months each color represents. In today’s culture, jewelers have come together and agreed on a standardized 12-month calendar year of gemstones. Because of the evolutionary process, some months have more than one gemstone associated with them. We will get into that calendar in the coming months. Stay tuned.

The Gemstone for January

January’s gemstone is garnet, which embodies the spirit of tranquility and strength. Garnet is the name of a group of silicate minerals (rock-forming) that vary in color – from red, to green, orange, pink and even blue. Red garnet is the most popular and is found in rocks that are transformed by heat and pressure. A rarer garnet such as green, or tsavorite, takes a little more energy from the rock formation process and isn’t as easily accessible.

Fast Facts About Garnet

Red garnet is found on every continent.
There are more than 20 garnet categories, which are called species.
A large number of garnets are chemical mixtures of two or more types of garnet species.
Garnet has gained popularity as an industrial mineral used for waterjet cutting, filtration, and blasting.
Some garnets are colorless or change colors depending on the light and source of light (natural or artificial).
Many garnets have inclusions that make them distinctive like diamonds.
Garnet can be cut and set into several types of jewelry.
Brighter shades tend to cost more than darker ones.
Ancient Egyptians acknowledged garnets as a symbol of life and used it for many medicinal purposes in the Middle Ages. It was also very popular for pharaohs to wear red garnet necklaces.
Garnet is known for being the commitment stone in a relationship and symbolizes a couple’s second wedding anniversary.
The name garnet comes from the Latin words punica granatum, which means pomegranate.
Garnets and other red gemstones called carbuncle were thought to be a gift from God to Solomon in ancient times.
Garnets are mined in Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Czech Republic, Madagascar, North America, and India.

Garnet is a stone that embodies peace, friendship, love, and healing. It doesn’t matter if you were born in January or not, everyone can definitely find a way to appreciate this beautiful gemstone.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind garnet item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over 30 years. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.