For those born in the first month of
the year, January, you have your choice of birthstones. There is the
traditional birthstone, which is the garnet. However, if you go off
of the zodiac, the birthstone for Capricorns is the ruby, whereas
(and this is where it gets a little weird) the birthstone for
Aquarians is the garnet. So, if you were born in the latter half of
the month, the garnet fits into both categories.
Speaking of the garnet, this
classically colored deep-red stone is said to have energizing and
cleansing powers. The Romans and the Anglo Saxons used it throughout
antiquity both in jewelry and as decoration in sword hilts and
similar ornamentation. One of the most interesting finds at Sutton
Hoo – an Anglo Saxon burial ship that dates back to the 6th
and 7th centuries – included cloisonné work with inlaid
garnets, proof that the beauty of this gemstone has been appreciated
for thousands of years.
The garnet can be found throughout the
world, from the United States to Australia, including Turkey, Russia,
Kenya, Finland, Tanzania, and India. It varies in color, with some
shades, green for example, appearing rarely, making them more prized
than the traditional deep red. It is not unusual to see black,
yellow, orange, blue and pink garnet. However, the name “garnet”
is derived from “garnet” which is Middle English for “dark
red.” The word also has Latin roots, fitting, since the stone has
been popular since ancient times.
Modern garnet gemstone jewelry combines both the
classic beauty of the stone with interesting designs, fit for just
about anyone, whether they were born in the month of January, or just
enjoy its deep red color. There are heart-shaped garnets set into
sterling silver rings, as well as pendants attached to gold linked
chains. If you’d prefer to display your garnet alongside other
stones, there are multi-gemstone rings that contain garnet, peridot,
topaz, amethyst, sapphire, and citrine. Or, you might look at a ring,
necklace or bracelet adorned with inset garnets and diamonds –
those really sparkle! Of course, garnets can be found in earrings as
well, either as simple studs or as dangles, alongside other gems.
Just as there are many different types
of garnet jewelry, there are just as many opportunities to wear them.
Garnet rings go well with evening gowns, work outfits, and the casual
jeans and boots look. In fact, the same can be said about garnet
necklaces, bracelets and earrings. It’s not about what you’re
wearing – it’s all about how you wear it!
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