Garnet Pendants: January Birthstones

A symbolic gemstone that reminds us of the future and of promises made is the Garnet. Not only is the Garnet the official birthstone of January but it has repeatedly represented the start of something new and the end of something old in history.

This thesis with the Garnet is not new. Noah used garnet as a lamp on the bow of his ship as he traveled across a flooded earth. An act that became symptomatic of the end of something old and a pledge of a fresh existence, a new terrain, and a new foundation. Another strong correlation to Noah is the fact that Garnet gemstones can come in just about any color and each color is tied to a different geological region. A definite reminder of the rainbow God presented as a promise to Noah to never wipe out the earth again. For instance, Green garnets can be found in Russia and Africa and oranges from Sri Lanka and Namibia.

However, the garnet first began its voyage into the world of jewelry in 3100 B.C. when Egyptian artists would use the gemstones and handcraft jewelry. As a result, garnet pendants have become superb pieces of jewelry to give as a birthday gift. A great example is the above is Oval Shaped Contemporary Garnet Pendant from Apples of Gold Jewelry. This striking pendant securely holds a 0.60 carat garnet snuggly in 10k yellow gold prongs. Additionally, the pendant almost resembles an upside down heart hanging delicately from an 18 inch Singapore chain.

Another option includes a Heart Shaped Garnet and Diamond Drop Pendant (right) which uses its elegant symmetry and lines to display three .06 carat garnet gems and six .08 carat diamonds spaced perfectly; all hanging from an 18 inch 10K white gold Singapore chain. The exclusivity of this piece of white gold jewelry lays in the amalgamation of garnet gemstones and diamonds which give it a subtle yet magnificently graceful design.

Gemstone pendants can make extraordinary gifts for anyone; especially garnets because they embody much to their admirers, which makes it a faultless gemstone to represent the New Year; as well as our New Year resolutions.

Featured Left: Garnet Heart Clover Pendant in 14k white gold.

Sources: AGTA, Gemstone.org, and Wikipedia

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)