If you are lucky enough to have a January birthday, your birthstone is a vibrant and striking garnet! Garnets come in a variety of colors, with the most common being a dark red. My personal favorite is a green garnet (pretty rare to find, but absolutely stunning!). We’ve put together some fun facts about garnets, and wanted to share them with you.
What is the history behind a garnet?
Garnets were actually discovered over 5000 years ago, and have been treasured ever since! The word “garnet” is the word “granatus” in Latin, which means pomegranate (a perfect description of the color you’ll most often find it as!). Garnets have been used in jewelry since the times of ancient Egypt. They were also used in the Victorian era before diamonds got popular. Legend has it that garnets have the power to eliminate negative feelings , instill self-confidence, and promote clarity of the mind. It is typically found in Africa, but can be found in various regions worldwide.
What colors do garnets come in?
The color variety of garnet also makes it unique. It is most commonly known for its deep red color, but you can also find them in orange, green, purple, black, and even blue! Some garnets even come in color-changing varieties, where the stone will actually show different colors depending on the light that it’s in. So if you have a January birthday and you haven’t typically been a fan of the traditional deep red garnet, maybe you will find a garnet in a different color that you like! Garnets can also vary in rarity depending on the specific color you have your eye on. As mentioned, a deep red garnet is the most common, therefore will be more affordable. A green garnet, for example, is a lot rarer therefore much more expensive.
Can I use garnet for an engagement ring?
We do love using gemstones as center stones in engagement rings… that being said, we advise against using a garnet as your center stone for an engagement ring (unless you’re married to the idea, no pun intended!). The reason is, although they are striking and more affordable than a diamond, they are too soft to withstand daily wear and tear (a 6.5 on the Moh’s scale of hardness). A diamond, for reference, has a hardness of 10 and a sapphire has a hardness of 9. We recommend not going below an 8 on the scale for an engagement ring, but if you really love the idea of using a garnet as your center stone, be sure to take it off for activities where you know you’ll use your hands a lot!
How do I care for my garnet jewelry?
All gemstones, no matter where they fall on the Moh’s scale of hardness, require some level of care to keep them looking their best. Because garnet is more susceptible to scratches, be careful when wearing it. You should try to remove your garnet jewelry when you are likely to hit or bump your stone against something, as well as avoiding contact with harsh chemicals. To clean your garnet, we recommend using a soft toothbrush with warm soapy water and gently brushing around the setting and the stone.
In conclusion, garnet jewelry is a gorgeous choice all year-round. If you’re lucky enough to be born in January, you have many color choices and ways to wear this stunning birthstone. But if you’re not born in January, you can still rock a garnet with the knowledge that it is truly timeless and has been prized for thousands of years. If you have any questions about garnets or want style advice on how to choose a garnet color or which metal to pair it with… email us at help@rachelandvictoria.com
“The way Rachel and Victoria took care of me when looking for a special engagement ring that wasn’t something picked off the shelf was amazing. They really know how to translate what’s in your mind into an actual ring that can be put on your finger!”
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