Garnet

History In A Rainbow Of Colors – Garnet, The January Birthstone

The garnet that is most well known to the majority of the populace is a dark, rich, red gemstone. But what many people do not know is that the garnet mineral truly spans the rainbow in color variations.

Most people know that garnet is the birthstone of January, but to most people, the January birthstone is the red most popularly known. In fact, however, garnets exists naturally in almost every color – from the dark, deep red, to orange and hues of green and yellow.

So many color options within one birthstone are rare. This is a bonus for January babies who can choose among their favorite colors and not be tied to the one color of their birthstone when their preferences truly lie elsewhere. When planning to give to someone born in January, it is a good idea to learn what their true color and style preferences are. Garnet jewelry is a beautiful gift choice. There’s a good chance the birthday boy or girl will actually be surprised that their birthstone comes in more than one color.
engagement rings styles

Garnet jewelry is not only for giving to people born in the month of January. Garnet symbolizes eternal friendship, so garnet is a fitting gift for anyone whose friendship is valued. Friendship rings being a popular gift, the gift of a garnet ring is well suited for the purpose. In settings of garnet rings, diamonds make a beautiful balance; garnet diamond rings combine the symbolism of both the garnet’s friendship and the eternal ‘forever’ of the diamond.

Before making a garnet gem stone ring or garnet jewelry purchase, it is worth learning more about the different colors, popular styles, and varieties of garnet gem stone jewelry.

Historically, a few garnet gem stone jewelry options were favored. Along with the jewelry gift, there is the gift of tradition – a story to tell to go along with the piece. A few examples –

Bohemian garnet jewelry was popular in the nineteenth century. Garnets are no longer mined in Czechoslovakia where the Bohemian style originated, but the style itself still lives on.

The sparkle of the demantoid garnet was favored by Russian Tsars. Demantoid garnet is known for its brilliance in a sparkling green garnet.

Anthill garnet is another popular favorite with a fun story to tell. Arizona anthill garnet is found in the dry U.S. region, mined up by ants as they dispose of the precious stone to build their homes. Anthill garnet is the deep, rich red that many people know garnet to be. Arizona anthill garnets are called pyrope garnets.

Of the newest trends in garnets, one that is growing in popularity is gem stones that are true orange in color. This is the mandarin garnet, a spessartite garnet newly discovered in Namibia.

It’s hard to believe that one type of mineral can come in so vast a form and variety of natural colors. Admirers of garnet and January babies are sure to love the gem in all its various forms; take care giving gifts of the historical treasure, though – when word gets out, no garnet lover will be satisfied having just the one color. The hunt will be on for the entire January rainbow.