Popular since the Bronze Age, the garnet has been a constant favorite throughout the ages due to its rich tones and durable composition.
History
January's birthstone, garnet, is a beautiful gemstone whose name is derived from the Greek word granatum, which translates to "seed", in reference to the deep red color of pomegranate seeds.
Traceable back to Egyptian civilization, the garnet has long been a gemstone of great popularity, particularly among the nobility, and was even considered a symbol of life by the Egyptians. So treasured were these primarily red gemstones--referred to as carbuncle before earning its permanent name--that many pharaohs were buried with necklaces and rings of garnet and gold.
In ancient Rome, garnet was actually one of the most highly demanded gemstones in the trading industry, as many adored its rugged beauty, without even cutting or treating it in any way. One of the largest sources of garnet was Bohemia, where cutting, polishing, and mounting garnets was a booming industry of the country. Bohemian garnets are famous even today, known for their small but beautiful stones set close to each other resembling a pomegranate.
Modern Uses
Today, the garnet is commonly used to celebrate January birthdays, as well as second wedding anniversaries. One of the most common, yet desired jewels today, garnet comes in a multitude of colors. Red garnets, such as almandine or pyrope, are the most typical, while green garnets, such as demantoid or tsaforite are among the rarest and most costly. In fact, tsaforite is often used as a substitute for emerald, due to its deep green tones that mimic the more well-known gemstone.
Here at Dacels, we have a beautiful selection of garnets, perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or any other occasions.