Ancient celebration of January Garnet

Happy New Year, and welcome to a prosperous 2023!

We are kicking the new year off by celebrating January and this month's divine birthstone, the beautiful Garnet, which has truly stood the test of time. Apart from their undeniable durability, I love that these crystals have such a vast and rich history and that many different cultures attached special meaning to them and still do today.

Garnets are found in a rainbow of colours, ranging from the most famous deep reds of the Pyrope to vibrant greens and yellows, oranges, pinks, purples, rare blues or even colourless stones. As red Garnets are the most plentiful and widespread and because they were thought to resemble the seeds of the pomegranate, the name Garnet is derived from the Latin word granatus. 

In Ancient times though, the word 'carbuncle' was used for red Garnets and other red gemstones. It is believed that 'carbuncle' was one of the four gemstones that God gifted Solomon.

Remnants of Garnet jewellery can be found as far back as the Bronze Age. Ancient Egyptians also used these gemstones as inlays in their carvings and jewellery, and Pharaohs wore red Garnets in their necklaces as a symbol of life. One such necklace discovered in an Egyptian grave is believed to be over 5 000 years old!

Garnets were also very popular with the Romans in the 3rd and 4th centuries, and they used Garnet intaglios to stamp the wax on important sealed documents. Garnets were also valued as sacred by Native American Indians, South American Indians, the African tribal elders, the Mayans and the Aztecs.

Garnets are also set apart due to the unique inclusions they contain. This contributes to a stone's overall beauty and individuality and gives it a distinctive look. An example is the 'turbulent' look often found in Hessonite Garnets.

Although these gems have enjoyed the glamour of mostly adornment in the past, they have more recently proven themselves to be far more than 'just a pretty face'. In the past 150 years, Garnets have been used as an effective industrial mineral for waterjet cutting, abrasive blasting, and water filtration. They have also been used in other end uses such as non-slip coatings, sandpaper and abrasive powders.

At Down to Earth Jewellery, we offer green and red Garnets in our jewellery pieces. Over the years, red Garnets have been viewed as symbols of love, passion, peace, devotion and deep-rooted friendship. They have also been known as 'stones of commitment'. The commitment to purpose, commitment to others and commitment to oneself. The enhancement of creativity and imagination are also believed to be properties of these crystals.

Especially in Ancient times, Garnets were seen as protection against bad dreams and protection for travellers and soldiers alike. Nobility and the clergy particularly favoured them. It was also believed that the Garnet could cure specific physical ailments and depression.

The Grossularite Garnet is yellow-green, and the term grossularia refers to the botanical name for gooseberries which references their colour. These green Garnets are believed to symbolise growth, regeneration, nurturing, renewal and a powerful connection with the earth. They also represent self-empowerment, hope, gratitude, prosperity, purity, love, richness and compassion.

Whether it's the symbolism of Garnets that tickles your fancy or the universal ancient fascination of diverse cultures, why not gift yourself or a loved one something special to celebrate the new year? Remember, it is also the 2nd Anniversary stone and what can be more appropriate than the very stone of commitment?  All our subscribers receive 10% off all Garnet purchases during January 2023.

Next month, we will explore the soothing properties of Amethyst, the birthstone of February and also the stone of the 6th Anniversary month.

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With love from me to you

Rethea   ❌⭕️❌⭕️