Birthstones have their origins as far back in time as Moses. They originate from the Breastplate of Judgement that contained twelve gemstones that were said to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Some of the stones have changed to more modern day equivalents, for commercial and other reasons. The birthstone for January is the garnet.

In order to fully understand what a gemstone is we must understand how it came into being. Most gemstones are derived from minerals. Minerals are a naturally occurring substance that is made up of regular atoms in a crystalline pattern. Rocks are made from one or more minerals. Gemstones are the last link in the chain, they are a subgroup of minerals that are clear, rare and attractive.

There is more than one stone that has
been allied to January as a birthstone but the garnet is the main stone. Garnets come in many different colours with the red colour being the most common. It is also possible to get garnets in black, green, clear and different shades of red. The variety of colours in this gemstone is due to metal impurities in the stone. Green coloured garnets are the most rare, followed by colourless garnets and red garnets.

Garnet derives its name from the Latin, granatum, when literally translated means pomegranate. This is because the crystals in the stone closely resemble the colour of the fruit. Garnets have been used to manufacture jewellery as far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians. The stone has been intensely popular throughout history. Garnets are said to symbolise happiness as well as everlasting love and friendship.