A Seeded Garnet: The birthstone of January
Granatum is a Latin word for “many-seeded” or “containing grains” for the fruit pomegranate which gave bloom to the name Garnet for its deep red crystals resembling the fruit’s seeds. Widely embraced for its richness of red hues, this gemstone is said to imbue positivity and protection to those born in January.
In ancient times, it was also believed to hold healing properties, restore proper order to oneself, and carry many other symbolic meanings—perhaps a reflection of the gemstone’s vibrant diversity, which is not limited to red alone, but extends across green, yellow, orange, and even colourless varieties. Beyond its flourishing palette, garnet is gracefully adorned in most jewellery, a gemstone that continues to embrace in both beauty and functions.
For You, from KOBO
At KOBO, our gemstones are shared with our sister brand, FUJIMORI KAJITA. Each colour and options beautifully complement your handcrafted rings, adding a touch of individuality and meaning to every piece. In this article, we feature three unique gemstones, though they are by no means the only options—many more selections are available for you to explore.
1. Mint Grossular Garnet (Tanzania): Beyond Red
2. Demantoid Garnet (Madagascar): A Fiery Brilliance
Demantoid is one of the rarest garnets and a specific variety of Andradite. It features a rich green hue comparable to emerald, with a brilliance that can surpass that of diamonds. Its rarity and sparkle make it highly sought after by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
While Tsavorite is a green Grossular, Demantoid is a green Andradite—different species, different shade of green, and different type of sparkle. In comparison to our Mint Grossular Garnet, this Demantoid Garnet displays a deeper green tone with a hint of yellow.
3. Malaya/Malaia Garnet: A Blush of Pink to Soft Red
A Precious January Gem
For those born in January, garnet offers not only a stunning piece of jewellery but also a meaningful connection to personal strength, passion, and vitality. Whether given as a token of love, protection, or celebration, garnet remains one of the most cherished gemstones, carrying both beauty and symbolism for generations to come.
In conclusion, the three featured gemstones are just a glimpse of the options available. You can explore and select from a wider range of stones in the World of Gems from our sister brand, FUJIMORI KAJITA, and craft your own base rings with us today!
| Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gemstone | A natural mineral (or organic material) cut and polished for jewellery |
| Birthstone | A gemstone traditionally linked to a birth month |
| Carat (ct) | The weight of a gemstone, not its size |
| Hardness | How resistant a gemstone is to scratching |
| Mohs Scale | A scale from 1–10 used to measure gemstone hardness |
| Cleavage | Natural lines where a gemstone can split |
| No Cleavage | Less likely to crack or break during wear |
| Durability | How well a gemstone holds up in daily use |
| Facet | Flat, polished surfaces on a gemstone |
| Faceted Cut | A cut with many surfaces designed to enhance sparkle |
| Brilliance | The amount of white light reflected by a gemstone |
| Fire (Dispersion) | Rainbow flashes seen when light passes through a stone |
| Colour Dispersion | How well a gemstone separates light into colours |
| Clarity | How clear a gemstone is, based on natural marks |
| Inclusions | Natural internal features formed during the gemstone’s growth |
| Hue | The main colour of a gemstone |
| Tone | How light or dark the colour appears |
| Saturation | The strength or intensity of the colour |
| Transparency | How much light passes through the stone |
| Species | The gemstone’s chemical group (e.g. garnet) |
| Variety | A specific type within a species (e.g. demantoid) |
| Trade Name | A commercial or market-used gemstone name |
| Origin | The geographic location where the gemstone was mined |
| Setting | The metal structure that holds the gemstone in place |
| Polish | The smoothness and finish of the gemstone’s surface |
| Hierarchy / Order | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Group (Family) | The broadest category, based on chemical composition and crystal structure |
| 2. Species | A subgroup within a group, defined by a specific chemical composition |
| 3. Variety | A naturally occurring variation of a species, often distinguished by colour or minor chemical differences |
| 4. Trade Name | A commercial or market-used gemstone name, sometimes emphasizing rarity, colour, or origin |
Example:
Group: Garnet → Species: Pyrope → Variety: Malaya Garnet → Trade Name: Imperial Garnet
The information in this article has been sourced from multiple trusted gemology websites and expert references from:
1. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) | 2. International Gem Society (IGS) | 3. The Rare Gemstone Company