Garnet Birthstone for January and Aquarius

Representing constancy, truth and faith, luscious pomegranate red garnets have long been held to possess mystical healing powers. The stone represents commitment and fidelity – and is also said to aid in uniting true lovers against all odds. Garnets can be traced right back to ancient times, when they were worn to enhance body strength, endurance and vigour. In the middle ages, garnets were thought to cure depression, protect against bad dreams and heal diseases. Worn as an amulet, the stone was believed to ensure good health and protection from harm on a journey. Garnets are silicates and the name is derived from their resemblance to the seeds of the pomegranate. The most common colour of garnets is red but they can also be white, green, yellow, brown and black. Astrologically, the garnet represents the kind, clever and faithful sign of Aquarius.