Discover January Birthstone: The Stunning Garnet

Garnets were popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. They have been utilized for jewelry in various eras, specifically the Victorian Era. The word “Garnet” comes from the 14th-century archaic English meaning “dark red.” But garnet stones are found in numerous colors, including red, yellow, purple, brown, green, blue, black, pink, and transparent.

Garnets are present in almost every corner of the Earth, from northern areas to the suburbs. Although garnet color variation is region-specific, red garnets remain the most popular and abundant. 

Lime-green garnets were located in Russia’s Ural Mountains during the nineteenth century and are usually known for their importance in estate jewelry. Orange and brown shades of garnet are found in Sri Lanka and Namibia.

Oval Garnet and Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring (Watch HD).

In Spanish astrology, garnet represents the sun, considering its bright colors and shine. In different cultures and traditions, it is regarded as the stone of love and friendship, and it is also associated with healing the spiritual wounds of lovers.  

Red garnet has been connected with relieving depression and stimulating the heart rate. Its association with the heart makes it an ideal gemstone for improving strength, endurance, emotional capabilities, and vitality.

Garnets are protective stones that can shield the wearer from spiritual or physical harm. The mentioned cause made these gemstones quite famous amongst the knights and warriors of ancient times. The birthstone was believed to spread love, light, and loyalty in any relationship or bond.

Some crystal healers remark that garnets can be a powerful tool for building self-awareness and robust relations. Every culture and astrologist may have their perspective on symbolism, but garnet’s sublime healing quality cannot be overlooked. 

Gold Oval Halo Garnet and Diamond Stud Earrings (Watch HD).

Garnets are generally produced in symmetrical or cubic shapes, appearing like crystals. The most common is a twelve-sided crystal with rhombic-shaped diamond faces, considered the trademark of red garnets worldwide. They can also be produced in round, oval, or cushion-cut shapes. 

Irrespective of the shape and structure, all garnets are brilliantly durable, strong, and aesthetically appealing to the eyes. They come in a broad price range from relatively budget-friendly to expensive. 

Garnets possess benefits beyond their symbolic meaning. It is assumed to be the gemstone of fearlessness and bravery and to provide protection against evil spirits that bring along mental insanity. The wearer of the garnet stone is supposedly safe from any unwanted forces. In addition, its zodiac position astrology ensures that it blesses them with fame, health, and wealth while strengthening self-esteem and confidence.

Garnets also tend to secure travelers from any severe or sudden incident. The red garnet, however, showcases signs of love between a couple. Hence, the general belief says that a person born in January should wear this birthstone as a covering shield from any severe disease or disaster.

Some legends believe garnets can also fight the ghosts of night and evil and protect their wearer from nightmares while lighting up their dreams. 

Garnets are the birthstone of January, but their exquisite variety of colors and qualities have made them a perfect gift for all occasions.

Garnets can be worn daily considering their high durability—they range from 6.5 to 7.5 on Moh’s durability scale. You can wear a garnet in a ring, bracelet, earrings, or necklace. The most desired way to wear a garnet is to pair it with zircons and design a statement ring that will be on your finger for the rest of the time. You do not have to be a fashion enthusiast to realize the beauty of garnet or its importance in one’s life.

Every piece of jewelry requires proper attention, but when a garnet is paired with it, you need to be extra careful. Store the jewelry in a soft cotton cloth or padded box to reduce or prevent scratching.

It should be cleaned with warm water and dried with a microfiber towel or softly padded cloth. Garnets lose their shine and durability when subjected to steam cleaning, so never opt for it if you have other options. 

Lastly, we advise that you take your jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year to ensure its sustainability and beauty.

Step-by-Step Cleaning of a Garnet Stone

Garnet stones need proper care, which can be ensured through regular cleanups at home. It will help you keep the stone as clean and new as ever and devoid of dullness or dirt. Below are the steps that you can follow while planning to clean garnet at home:

Polishing

The foremost step is to clean a garnet by starting with an excellent polish. You can utilize a dry, soft cotton cloth to carry out the process. The fabric will prevent scratching, and rubbing it will remove dust or dirt residues. 

Soaking 

Add a bowl of warm water and a pinch of any mild detergent. Afterward, put the jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about one to two minutes. Please do not leave your garnet in the water for more than three minutes; it might reverse the effects and damage the stone if you keep it longer.

Scrubbing 

Now that your garnet stone is ready to be cleaned further, it is time to give it a gentle scrub to remove any leftover dirt. A soft-bristled toothbrush can be employed to take extra care of the stone. Always scrub at the bottom of the stone and avoid the top part. The stone's shine comes from its base, implying that if it is adequately cleaned, the garnet will shine automatically.

Rinsing 

Make a bowl of clean, warm water at the same temperature as before, and gently rinse your garnet stone.

Drying

The last step is to dry your garnet stone. To complete the process, use a clean and dry cloth and leave it to air dry before taking it to a safe spot.

In conclusion, each stone has specific reservations and can only be treated with selected products. It is essential to have a general overview of what products are suitable for your garnet and what should be avoided. 

The simpler and more natural your garnet stone will be brighter and shinier. We do not recommend extravagant products for cleaning the birthstone. Mild soap and warm water are ideal for keeping it clean.

The market is filled with products under names that may lure you into an impulse buy. They may work on the first run, but in the long-term usage, they will drastically affect your crystal or stone. The harmful chemicals present in their composition may target the durability of your garnet, making it dull and lifeless.