January's Birthstone / The Garnet Legend

Garnet comes in a variety of colors. Its reds range from raspberry to blood-red, but it's also available in green, yellow, orange and brown. Garnet also has a colorful mythology. Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It reportedly gave its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, was an antidote for snake bite and food poisoning.

It is the accepted birthstone for January and anniversary stone for the second year of marriage. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows and extreme temperatures. (Information provided by Jewelers of America.)