WHERE DID THE TRADITION START?
It is widely believed that the time and month of the year we were born, have an influence on us. Additionally, many cultures believed that gemstones held powers relating to healing, protection and energy.
During the Middle Ages, the value of a stone did not play an important role, but rather its colour. In Biblical times, the High Priest wore a breastplate displaying twelve gemstones: each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Later, the twelve gemstones were associated with the twelve apostles.
It was only during the 15th or 16th century in Poland that people started wearing gemstones as birthstones. In 1912, The Jewelers of America put together an official list of birthstones, mainly selecting stones that were commercially available as opposed to the most suitable from a sign perspective.
Today, we take a closer look at the birthstone for January: GARNET.
Mostly known for its gorgeous deep red colour, garnets can also be found in orange, yellow, green, violet, purple and pink.
Garnets are semi-precious stones along with Peridot, Amethyst, Citrine, Blue Topaz and Turquoise. Garnets are not mined but found as pebbles in streams and watery places in many places around the world. Because of associations with the heart, blood, inner fire and life force, this gemstone represents strong feelings and emotions: passion, friendship, health and love.
Garnets are among the oldest gemstones known to man and remnants of garnet jewellery can be found dated as far back as the Bronze Age. It was discovered amongst artifacts of ancient Egypt and Sumeria and was seen as a symbol of life. It was often used as signet rings in ancient Rome and was favoured by Nobility in the Middle Ages.
In Medieval times it was believed that garnets have healing powers and can protect the wearer against poison, wounds, bad dreams and even cure depression. Ancient warriors believed that garnets brought them victory.
The word “Garnet” is derived from the Latin “Granatum” which means “seed” and because the gemstone’s resemblance to the red seeds of the pomegranate. The Victorians made garnets very popular and some jewellery pieces even mimics its pomegranate namesake.
Do you have a piece of Garnet-jewellery? Please send me a photo. It is such a beautiful, affordable stone and not only for the January-babies.
Next time, all about Amethyst, the birthstone for February.
Love and light till we chat again.
Shirley Rose
References: www.gemsociety.org; Wikipedia; Garnet: January Birthstone, Jaydee Zantua; Cape Town Diamond Museum; Pictures: Pinterest.