Were you born in January? If so, garnet is your birthstone. Take a whirlwind tour of January’s birthstone and its fascinating palette of colors from greens, oranges, pinkish oranges and deeply saturated purplish reds.
Garnets also come with a rich history. Red garnet necklaces graced the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Ancient Romans used carved garnets in signet rings to stamp wax seals safeguarding important documents. And the clergy and nobility of the middle ages had a particular affinity for garnet.
If you’ve ever wondered where your January birthstone comes from, read on to take a whirlwind tour of major garnet producing localities around the world. But before we start our trip, here’s a little gemological background on garnets to make it more meaningful.
Read more about January's gemstone on the Gemological Institute Of America (GIA) website.