Birthstone January
The birthstone for January is the garnet, recognizable by its red color. While the stone comes in several colors, gemstone experts believe the red color is most appropriate for this month. Garnet can be incorporated into pendants on necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelet charms, among other things.
Birthstone Garnet
The January birthstone, the garnet, is known for its blood-red color. Found in volcanic rocks, it can, along with certain minerals, indicate the presence of diamond-bearing rock. The January birthstone has been a highly prized gemstone since antiquity. Even in ancient Egypt, the stone was incorporated into the necklaces and rings of pharaohs. The gemstone was believed to protect his people from demons and poisoning. According to Greek mythology, the garnet is associated with Persephone, the daughter of Zeus. Hades abducted her and gave her nothing but pomegranate seeds in the underworld.
January birthstone meaning
This stone gives strength, energy, perseverance, endurance, self-confidence, willpower, and vitality. Garnet is a durable and versatile stone. It's the perfect choice for crises and situations where life seems hopeless. This is because it promotes hope, courage, optimism, the will to survive, and joy in life. It's also called the "Gemstone of Faith" because it's believed to bring good luck to those who wear it.
January birthstone history
This gemstone was discovered in North Carolina in 1882 by George Frederick Kunz. The name comes from the Latin word "granatum." The German philosopher Albertus Magnus named this gemstone garnet. He thought the rough crystals resembled the seeds of a pomegranate. The Latin name for pomegranate is "malus granatus." It is a solid and granular crystal. According to Buddhism, the garnet has healing properties such as instilling a sense of joy, giving courage and willpower, stimulating creative thinking, and freeing negative energy. Before using the garnet, you must first rinse it with lukewarm water and then place it in the sun for a while. This will fully charge the stone. If the stone loses its shine, it signals bad luck. This was often used by knights to ensure they returned safely from a long journey. The garnet is primarily found in the US, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Burma. In the past, garnet slices were used in the windows of churches and temples, and legend has it that Noah hung garnets in the ark to spread the light.
Capricorn Birthstone
Besides being the January birthstone, the garnet is also associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn and Aquarius. You can also use it for zodiac jewelry if you're interested.
Capricorn December 22 - January 20 topaz & garnet
Aquarius January 20 - February 19 Garnet & Amethyst
Capricorn can choose between the January birthstone, the garnet, and the December birthstone, a blue topaz. Aquarius can also choose the January birthstone, or perhaps explore the amethyst gemstones.
January Birthstone at Mama Jewels
In addition to jewelry featuring the January birthstone, we have a large collection of birthstone jewelry in stock in our shop. Browse our extensive collection of birthstone jewelry in the webshop or come try it on in our studio in Vlissingen. Would you like to design a unique piece of jewelry featuring the January birthstone? You can do so in our studio. One of our expert goldsmiths will work with you to explore the possibilities of incorporating the diamond into a beautiful ring, pendant, or bracelet.
Order January birthstone online
Gemstone jewelry is often unique and not available in different sizes. If you'd like to order a birthstone ring online, we'll custom-make it for you in the Mama Jewels studio. To find the correct ring size, please see our instructions. Below is a small selection of our birthstone jewelry featuring garnet. For all birthstone jewelry, click here .