I've never really paid much attention to Garnet in the past, but as I was walking around Tucson a few years back, a rhodolite reddish pink garnet caught my eye. Under the light, the gem exuded an exciting play of reds and pinks. The effect was mesmerizing, like staring at a flame, and I couldn’t stop staring.
Upon closer inspection, I found out this gem was a Rhodolite Garnet. A rock, in my opinion, that deserves its limelight. However, aside from being January’s birthstone, little is known about it. Did you know that Garnet has been widely coveted among jewelry enthusiasts for more than 2,000 years?
That’s right. Garnet has been widely popular in Europe, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Aristocrats often used them in Victorian jewelry pieces, perhaps because this gem closely resembles pomegranate seeds. They look so much alike that the word “Garnet” may have come from the Latin word “granatus,” which means the seed of grain.
In Greek mythology, a pomegranate is a symbol of love and eternity. Nowadays, Garnet remains as a gift of love and is traditionally given for the 2nd, 6th, or 19th anniversaries of marriage. Moreover, Garnet symbolizes a quick return and separated love. Therefore, it is the perfect token to gift a beloved embarking on a trip like Hades had given Persephone a pomegranate before leaving the underworld.
There have been many ancient traditions and legends about the garnet throughout time. In medieval times, the stones were thought to cure depression, protect against bad dreams, and relieve diseases of the liver and hemorrhages. Garnet was also thought to be potent against poisons.
Many also believe that Garnet can inject positive energies into your physical and mental health. They say that wearing it close to your body can amplify virtues like passion, friendship, fidelity, success, self-esteem, loyalty, devotion, energy, faith, consistency, and truth. It can also increase self-awareness and inspire contemplation.
The garnet has also been known as an ancient symbol of friendship. In the past, garnets have been exchanged between parting friends to symbolize their affection and ensure that they meet again.
Indeed, Garnets are such fascinating gems and are definitely a must-have in your jewelry wardrobe. Whether we’re born in January or not, we can benefit from all the positive energies a Garnet trinket can bring us this new year. But if that were not reason enough, Garnets are versatile enough to include in your daily work wardrobe or statement party ensembles! Garnets also come in multiple colors like Tsavorite (green garnet), Rhodolite ( pink/purple/red garnet ), Malaia ( red/orange/pink/orange garnet), and color change garnet!
Wishing you all a Happy New Year, cheers!
