Subscribe to Feed
GIA Celebrates Birthstones – Are Garnets Always Red?
Garnet, January’s birthstone, is one of the most diverse gemstones. It comes in an extraordinary range of color, although it’s most commonly known for its rich shade of red. In fact, the name garnet is thought to be derived from the word pomegranate, because the more commonly found deep red varieties of the gemstone resemble pomegranate seeds. Garnet varieties and species actually come in a rainbow of colors, including orange, yellow and green. While rare, these gemstones can also come in blue and violet.
January’s birthstone actually comes in a rainbow of colors.
This gemstone have a long and interesting history. Deep red garnets have been appreciated since biblical times, while a green variety, called tsavorite, was first discovered in 1971 in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. When worn, garnet is thought to bring one a sense of calm.
“25-leaves” set with 27-carat weight of grossular garnet and 15-carats of diamonds in blackened 18k gold. Gift of Dr. Gary R and Barbara E. Hansen.
Garnet is the birthstone for January and may be celebrated in its many varieties, providing an array of choices for gemstone enthusiasts.
Check out the variety of garnets in the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at the GIA Carlsbad campus. Schedule a free tour 24 hours in advance by contacting guestservices@gia.edu; calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116; or visiting www.gia.edu.