JANUARY'S BIRTHSTONE : GARNET

Happy Birthday to all who share this month, Garnet is your birthstone.

Garnet has had a long history in jewelry, it is the "carbuncle" of ancients.  The carbuncle was thought to be one of the four precious stones to be given to King Solomon by God.  Garnets decorated the throats of Egyptians and entombed for prized possessions in their afterlife. Garnet's adorned the wrists and shoulders of ancient Greeks, used as signet rings in ancient Rome, and were cherished and respected by many a king. 

Garnets are available in a variety of hues other than the well known dark beauty seen in the victorian era of jewelry.  A few examples of garnet's beautiful colors are the fiery red Pyrope, the vibrant orange Spessartine, and the rare intense green varieties, such as the Tsavorite, which is seen in today's modern jewelry designs.  

Garnets have been prized as an ornamental jewel, worn for centuries as a protective and powerful talisman.  The gemstone garnet is thought to balance energy, bring serenity, and inspire love.  Consider this a lucky stone for love, success, and business.  

Enjoy your birthstone January! May it bring you all of these qualities and more.