HISTORY OF THE JANUARY BIRTHSTONE
The garnet originates from the medieval Latin word granatus, meaning ‘pomegranate’, in regard to the similar red color. Since the Bronze Age, the garnet has been used as abrasives and gemstones. Pharaohs of ancient Egypt would wear necklaces studded with red garnets, while signet rings in Ancient Rome had garnet intaglios that were used to stamp the wax that secured important documents. Garnets come from many different countries, Bohemia being the primary sources during Victorian times. Today, the African continent supplies much of the world’s garnet. It is also found in Brazil, Iran, Sri Lanka, among other countries.
