Garnet is the traditional birthstone for the month of January.  This stone was given its name by the ancient Greeks because the color reminded them of the “granatum”, or pomegranate seed. 

Garnet is found in every color of the rainbow, excluding blue.  Garnets can range from the deep red Bohemian Garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian Demantoid and the African Tsavorite.  The oranges and browns of Spessartite and Hessonite hail from Namibia and Sri Lanka and the subtle pinks and purples of the Rhodolite, named after the rhododendron flower, are also available.

Garnets are said to represent friendship, enhance the self, and provide protection from harm.

Courtesy of GIA