January Birthstone

Garnet is January's birthstone and what a beauty it is! Looking at a garnet reminds us of a pomegranate seed, with its deep, dark red color, and watery-like depth.

In fact, the word "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "seed."

Like the pomegranate, the garnet is linked to loyalty in love, fertility and righteousness, making it the perfect stone for an engagement ring. As a matter of fact, long before diamond rings took that title, garnets were a traditional engagement stone.

There are more myths and legends surrounding the garnet than most stones. One legend has Noah hanging this gem on the ark to light his way. A Greek myth links garnet to the young goddess Persephone, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld, and enticed to return by a gift of pomegranate seeds.

Archaeologists have found garnets buried with ancient warriors and nobles, probably because they were thought to provide bodily protection and victory in battle. Garnets were first mined in Sri Lanka more than 2,500 years ago, but are also found in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America, and the United States. In Idaho and Arizona, actually.

Garnets are plentiful throughout the world and easily mined, and were worn by the Aztec and Mayans, Native Americans, aboriginal Australians and Asians. Today, this makes them an affordable choice, though they are fit for a king or queen.

The garnet is said to protect travelers, and a gift of a garnet bracelet is thought to be symbolic of not only the desire for a loved one's safe travel, but a speedy return home. So although it is January's birthstone, its color and beauty - compared to the heart of a flame -- is loved by many.

Sarraf.com has several selections with garnet stones in gold jewelry, and many other piece of jewelry perfect for birthstone gifts or a nice present to yourself.