Red garnets are known as birthstones that strengthen and rejuvenate human nature’s inspiration. Garnet, the birthstone of January, is derived from the Latin term ‘granatum,’ meaning “seed,” because it resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed. It comes in many different colors, from Mandarin Garnet’s fiery orange tone to Tsavorite Garnet’s rich apple green, from pinkish orange to purplish-red, and the most commonly recognized dark red tone of Pyrope Garnet. There are more than twenty types of garnets. Other colored garnet deposits that adorned jewelry until the late 1800s were discovered. The color tones of garnet stones used in jewelry and objects have multiplied.

Thousands of years ago, Egyptian Pharaohs adorned themselves with red garnets, and the Romans used them as seal rings to seal important documents. In the 1500s, according to legend, garnets were said to illuminate the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Travelers carried garnets to protect themselves from accidents away from home.

The Symbol of Excellence, Mystery, and Power: Amethyst

Known as the symbol of mystery, “amethyst” has fascinated with its influence throughout the ages. Amethyst, representing the month of February, has a long and interesting history. This quartz stone, believed to symbolize royalty with its purple tone, comes in many colors and is mined from various regions worldwide. Amethyst is the purple variety of the quartz mineral. The stone’s color spectrum can range from dark plum to light lavender. This purple color is derived from iron residues in the crystal structure when it forms.

From modern Russia to ancient Greeks and Romans, this precious stone holds tons of symbolism for every culture. It was also believed that amethyst brought power, luck, and success. The color purple, known as the royal color, is a cornerstone for any king or queen. Throughout the ages, many kings and queens have had personal items containing amethyst. Catherine the Great of Russia was particularly fond of this beautiful gemstone. She had many items, including rings, necklaces, and buckles.

According to Aristotle, a fairy transformed Beautiful Diana into an amethyst stone to protect her from the Wine God Bacchus. Bacchus poured wine onto the stone as a memory of his love and gave it this beautiful color. Ancient Egyptians used amethyst in jewelry and breastplates to protect their protective powers from harm in war or peace. Cleopatra had an amethyst ring with a figure depicting a divine idea symbolizing the source of light and life. Pliny, a philosopher of the Roman Empire, wrote that Magi priests believed that symbols of the Sun and Moon were carved into amethyst and made it a powerful talisman against black magic.