Spreading a bit of sparkle… A closer look at the January birthstone By Liz Le Feuvre of Swiss Blue

 

In many cultures birthstones are a well established tradition whereby a gem is associated with a birth month. Each stone has a special meaning and it is believed by many that wearing your birthstone will bring good fortune.

The birthstone for January is the luxurious garnet. This amazing stone is mined all over the world and comes in a wide range of colours from greens, oranges, reds and even blues. Unlike many gemstones, the garnet family is not all made up from the same single species. It consists of a range of species and varieties and it is this variation that causes the variety of different colours. What makes them all garnets is having the same crystal structure and similar properties. New colours and properties, like the ability to change colour in different lights, are still being discovered so there may well be other exciting new discoveries in the future!

Garnet has been used as a gemstone since the bronze age and was popular with the Pharaoh’s of Egypt, the ancient Romans, and the nobility during the Middle Ages and the Victorian era.

By far the most popular colour is the luxurious deep red garnet. The name is taken from the Latin granatus, meaning “pomegranate” in reference to the colour. Many believe that is helps reduce negative feelings and promotes mental clarity.

The Swiss Blue birthstone collection consists of bracelets and earrings created with the semi-precious birthstone and using sterling silver or gold filled beads and ear hoops. Both these precious metals are hypo-allergenic and lightweight, so ideal for everyday wear.

Use the code VIVA10 at the checkout to get 10% off your order! (One time use per customer)

About Liz Le Feuvre
Liz set up Swiss Blue jewellery three years ago and is inspired by the colours and textures found by the lakes and mountains in Switzerland. She enjoys creating pieces that are attractive and enduring, using high quality materials and stones, and loves to make jewellery that makes YOU feel special everyday!

• birtstone
• garnet
• gemstones
• granatus
• January stone
• jewellery
• luxury
• pomegranate
• Swiss Blue