The Garnet Attraction: January Birthstone

As one of  few ancient gemstones existing today, Garnets have found their exclusive place under the sun. Its earliest use as adornment could be traced back to around 3,000 B.C., as evidenced by remnants of garnet jewelry found in the Nile Delta. Ancient Egyptians have created bracelets, necklaces, and other body adornment made from this hard stone.  However, it was the Greeks who gave this gemstone its name.  History reveals the name was largely influenced by its physical appearance, more specifically of its color and the way it clumps itself together like the pomegranate fruit–and yes, you guessed it right: this was  the fruit this gemstone was named after.

The Garnet is an exceptionally versatile gemstone. Though it is popular by a couple of varieties called the Almandine and Pyrope, whose rich hues runs from dark red to brownish red, it has many other color varieties that practically covers the entire spectrum, except for the color blue. The Garnet has dark and light hues, some with translucent properties and one that exudes a rainbow of color, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, violet, green, and albeit rarely black & brown.  Interestingly enough, its hardness has also been a popular tool to use as an abrasive for wood, metal, plastic, glass and leather. Once upon a time, it was even used as bullets by tribes in the East. According to the Mohs Scale, the Garnet stone ranges from six to seven in hardness, meaning it has high propensity to crack when dropped or upon impact with another hard object or surface.

According to jewelry.com, the Garnet’s many varieties can be recognized through its colors:

“Almandine, the most common type, is dark red to brownish red. Pyrope is blood red. Rhodolite, one of the most popular varieties, ranges from pink to purplish red and is mined in Africa, India and Sri Lanka. Malaya, a mixed variety found in Tanzania and Kenya, ranges from orange to gold. Tsavorite is bright yellow green to grass green and is also mined in Tanzania and Kenya. Demantoid is primarily found in Russia. Hessonite and spessartite mostly come in golds, oranges and browns. Mandarin is a bright orange type of spessartite recently found in Namibia. Grossular is available in pinks, greens and yellows.”

More than it’s beautiful range of colors, the Garnet is also a popular gem among believers of the spiritual world. It is believed to possess mystical properties that helps the wearer achieve vitality, courage and self-confidence. It also is the gemstone associated with love, passion and sensuality.

More importantly, this particular gem is said to resolve conflicts resulting from abandonment and aids couple to commit to each other better. Another legend linked to this gemstone dates back to biblical times and that it was believed to have been use by Noah to light the ark during the great flood.

Garnets are beautiful presents for second wedding anniversary occasion, as well as for individuals who celebrates their birthday in the month of January.  It certainly makes for a very attractive choice for jewelers and gemstone fans alike.

Apples of Gold Jewelry has  a beautiful array of Garnet rings, Garnet Pendants, and more Gemstone Jewelry, Gemstone Pendants, and Gemstone Earrings to choose from. Take your pick!

Image:  Garnet Matrix (by the Gem & Mineral Exploration Company)

Three Bracelets To Make Your Other Wrist Jealous

Bracelets date back to 2500 BC worn by Sumerians in southern Mesopotamia and were made prominent in Ancient Egypt. The Ancient Egyptians realized the exquisiteness of jewelry, especially bracelets, as a way to add sumptuousness to a part of the body that has been admired for ages…the wrist.

Apples of Gold Jewelry has a number of ways to make one of your wrists jealous with an exquisite selection of gold bracelets that will make you the envy of every event.

Something Luxurious

Put something luxurious on your wrist for your next holiday cocktail party with this 14K Gold Mesh Bracelet.  This gold mesh bracelet comes in two lengths, 7 or 8 inches, and a protected box clasp and safety attachment.  The gold was designed artfully by an expert craftsman to give the appearance of hand woven mesh.  Also, to complement the bracelet check out the 14K Solid Gold Mesh Necklace.

Something Unique

Our favorite: The Multi-Color Sapphire Rainbow Bracelet in 14 K white gold.  Each of the 80 authentic gems is a collaboration of multi-colored sapphires and equals a total of 4.89 carats.  The colors all blend together in a rainbow spectrum of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues and pinks.  Your investment will be protected with a secure insert clasp and additional safety latch.

Something Heart Warming

Warm the heart this year with this Dangling Heart Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold.  This is a great holiday gift that comes with a simple and gorgeous 9 x 12 mm heart pendant. The chain is actually Singapore styled, the bracelet is a combination of thin and elegant 14k yellow gold ropes that leave the clasp, wrap securely around the heart, and returns.  The clasp is a lobster claw for added security and can be complemented by a Dangling Heart Necklace in 14 K yellow gold.