Throughout history it is believed that each Georgian calendar month can be marked by a particular gemstone that is befittingly known as a “birthstone gem”. In essence if you born in a particular month you should wear the corresponding stone. Years ago astrologers attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones, whereas, nowadays we wear our birthstone gem in the hope that is brings us good luck. Even today giving a piece of jewellery containing a birthstone gem is said to bring the recipient protection so it can make a very special statement gift. | January is the month of garnet, a gemstone most common in red, not unlike a ruby, whose colour, symbolism and significance is all based round keeping the wearer safe during travel. January is the month of garnet, a gemstone most common in red, not unlike a ruby, whose colour, symbolism and significance is all based round keeping the wearer safe during travel. In fact garnet is also associated with purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship and is believed to have traditional metaphysical properties befitting of a new year such as awareness, commitment, regeneration, insight and removing of negativity. The healing properties of this January birthstone are related to the blood, heart and lungs and as a deep red gemstone it’s said to enhance sensuality and sexuality. | In it’s most common form of red, garnet represents the colour of fire and was historically associated with power and importance. However, garnet is not just confined to red and exists in orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black and even clear and colourless. During the Victorian era castles and cathedrals were adorned with garnets, as they were strongly believed to keep ghosts and ghouls at bay. | |