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)

Anniversary Gemstone Gifts

If your anniversary is around the corner and you are still wondering what to give, go with a gift that she’s guaranteed to love: a beautiful piece of jewelry. Forget the boring etiquette anniversary suggestions – who wants paper for their anniversary? Instead, buy jewelry according to the gemstone anniversary gifting guide. We have summarized the important anniversaries with their corresponding gemstones, and also have a few pretty gift suggestions for each. That’s right – we did all the hard work, all you have to do is take credit and reap the rewards.

First Anniversary: Peridot

Peridot is a beautiful green stone that compliments most skin stones beautifully. Its striking color makes it a popular stone for cocktail rings. Take a peek at a round peridot and diamond cocktail ring, or go big with a large peridot emerald-cut statement ring.

Fifth Anniversary: Sapphire

Sapphire is usually thought of only as a dark blue stone, but it also comes in a pretty pink color. Treat your wife with a gift of classic sapphire and diamond stud earrings or add some sparkle to her wrist with a stylish pink sapphire watch.

Tenth Anniversary: Diamonds

For a ten year anniversary, commemorate your love with diamonds. A beautiful tennis bracelet is the perfect pick. Watch her eyes light up when she sees a stylish and unique bracelet encrusted with white and chocolate colored diamonds.

Twentieth Anniversary: Emerald

Emerald symbolizes faith, love and hope. It’s the perfect gemstone for an anniversary that fondly looks back at years of history together as well as forward to the hope of many more to come. Consider a pair of emerald-cut emerald earrings surrounded by a halo of diamonds. These earrings marry the symbols of love and hope with the symbol of forever – a very romantic promise and perfect gift.

Thirtieth Anniversary: Pearl

Commemorate 30 years of marriage with pearls. If she loves earrings, a set of diamond pearl-drop earrings will thrill her. For women who prefer necklaces, a stunning Tahitian black and South Sea white pearl necklace will be her new favorite piece.

Fortieth Anniversary: Ruby

Rubies are symbols of devotion and desire. A ruby and white gold flowered cross necklace can symbolize your wedding day vows.  For a non-religious gift, a ruby and gold ring in an antique setting is a beautiful alternative.

Fiftieth Anniversary: Gold

After 50 years of marriage, honor your Golden Anniversary with – what else – gold.  A solid gold mesh necklace is a substantial piece of jewelry that she can wear with almost anything, and a gorgeous solid gold rosary is a keepsake to pass down through generations.