The birthstone for January is Garnet, "the word garnet comes from the 14th-century Middle English word gernet, meaning 'dark red'". However, most people don't realize that Garnets come in a wide range of colors. The stone of many colors has created endless possibilities for designers and jewelers to work with. Jewelry lovers are often pleasantly surprised by the options to choose from.
M Y T H O L O G Y
"In Persia, this birth gem was considered a talisman from nature's forces like storms and lightning. It was widely accepted that garnet could signal approaching danger by turning pale." -Wikipedia
The International Gem Society suggests that "because of garnet’s association with pomegranate seeds, the stone has come to stand for the safe return of a friend or loved one. Garnets were said to protect travelers on their journeys and were often exchanged between friends as tokens that they would meet again".
V A R I E T I E S \ C O L O R S
There are just a few types of Garnets such as-
-Almandine- usually deep red to red-brown, most common.
-Pyrope- usually range in color purple to orange-red.
-Andradite- range in color yellow to yellow-greenish.
-Tsavorites- are usually green.
-Rhodolite- usually in color purplish red.
-Spessartine- usually seen in a range of orange.
A L M A N D I N E
This vintage ring is very akin to that of a pomegranate and it's little seeds. This variety of Garnet is Almandine, characterized by it's deep and rich coloring. The 14K Yellow Gold setting enhances the color and light reflection, making this a show-stopping cocktail ring.
T S A V O R I T E
We acquired this Tsavorite stone and had an 18K Yellow Gold, bezel-set ring, with baguettes custom made.
D E M A N T O I D
This sweet vintage ring has both Tsavorite and Demantoid Garnets. Demantoid Garnets have a slightly more yellow color, whereas the Tsavorites have a deep, rich green color.
R H O D A L I T E
One of our favorite pieces is this stunning Rhodalite Garnet set in Platinum. Rhodalite is characterized by its purplish red variety. Highly sought after for their beautiful color.
S P E S S A R T I N E
Spessartine Garnets come in a range of orange. The angular cuts and stacked setting of this ring and earring set enhance the vibrant color.
If Garnet is your birthstone you are unlimited when it comes to colors and styles!
Sources: GIA, International Gem Society, Wikipedia