Peridot, August Birthstone, is also a choice for many fashionable designers and featured in our cases at Roman Jewelers.The vivid green of the peridot (pronounced pear-a-doe), with just a slight hint of gold, is the ideal gemstone color to go with that light summer wardrobe. No wonder – since the peridot is the gemstone of the summer month of August.The peridot is a very old gemstone, and one that has never gone out of fashion. It is also ancient-- found in Egyptian jewelry from the early 2nd millennium B.C.. The stones used at that time came from a deposit on a small volcanic island in the Red Sea, some 45 miles off the Egyptian coast, which was not rediscovered until about 1900 and has since been exhausted. A few years ago, however, peridot deposits were located in the Kashmir region of Pakistan and the stones from these deposits have an incomparably beautiful color and transparency.The ancient Romans were also fond of this gemstone and esteemed its radiant green shine, which does not change even in artificial light. For that reason they nicknamed it the 'emerald of the evening' . An interesting fact about the peridot is that it is one of the few gemstones which come in one color only--a rich, green color with the slight tinge of gold is caused by very fine traces of iron. The intensity of the color depends on the amount of iron actually present and can vary over all shades of yellowish green and olive, and even to a brownish green. August's birthstone adds a wonderful variant to the color spectrum of green gemstones, a color so uplifting and versitile.

Roman Jewelers and Lagos are hosting a TRUE LOVE, TRUE BLUE event August 19 - 22. This year, the event features exclusive new styles and features the Lagos Caviar Collection. See the smart caviar watch bracelet, the first fine jewelry bracelet for your Apple Watch™ and enter to win a lagos bracelet! Our customers love Lagos, designed by master jeweler, Steven Lagos using classic techniques to create enduring and sophisticated styles in both sterling silver and gold. Appointments are not required, but can be madehere.

So you're getting married! Roman Jewelers and Gabriel would like to help you find the perfect wedding band--for both style and comfort. Guys tend to gravitate toward the traditional wedding band design butmany are stepping out and embracing more elaborate looks. Sometimes, couples choose to coordinate their wedding bands, often choosing the same design and metal color but men’s bands have a distinctly more masculine appearance with wider bands, angular cuts and often the absence of stones.Though it seems simple enough, when shopping for a men’s wedding band the following should be considered. FIT Men often choose comfort over fashion, so the fit therefore is an important consideration when choosing a wedding band.It’s best to try on several models and really compare the differences in feel. The most common fits are: Comfort Fitmeaning that the inside of the ring is rounded, which helps it slide over your knuckle easier. Flat or Standard Fitrings are flat on the inside of the ring, which means the inside diameter is the same as you move along from one edge to the other. WIDTH Width is an important consideration because ultimately it will affect how the band looks on the finger and therefore impacting the overall appearance of the hand.Bands measuring 4 to 6 millimeters tend to look great on most fingers, but wider than 6mm should be left to those who have longer and thicker fingers as it tends to make them appear shorter and wider. The width also affects the price as more metal means a higher price point.Consider your budget as this is one area that is easy enough to alter while still maintaining the overall design of the ring. FINISH There are several common finishes that can give a men’s band an element of interest. GabrielStyle:MBM0111-60W4JJJ Sand blast– this finish makes the ring appear as if it’s encrusted with diamond chips because it sparkles and shimmers beautifully in the light. It feels coarse to the touch with a grainy feel. Gabriel Style:MBM0101-60W4JJJ Satin –This finish gives a softer more matte effect to the ring for those who prefer a less shiny finish. Gabriel Style:MBM0112-60W4JJJ Hammered –This type of finish is quite unique in appearance in that it has a sort of dimpled look, like a hammer was used to pound each dimple on the surface of the ring, thus giving it its name. This is a great choice for the more active guy as it hides small scratches and dents best making it the perfect style for camouflaging heavy wear. Gabriel Style:MBM0136-60W4JJJ Brushed –A brushed finish has a textured appearance and is similar to a satin finish in that it is also not shiny. It looks as if the texture was made with a wire brush. You can see tiny brush-like marks on the finish, hence its name. Similar to the hammered finish, it helps to hide scratches and thus is perfect for a more active gentleman. Gabriel Style:MBM0119-60M4JJJ Engraved –Engraving on wedding bands adds interest to an otherwise plain finish. The patterns of the engraving can form beautiful designs and are done with the precision of machinery so they are perfectly symmetrical. EDGE The edge of the band is another attribute to consider which affects the overall look of the ring. Astraightedge is commonly found on men’s bands giving off a clean, simple appearance. According to psychologists, the very shape of the square is associated with male character traits: firmness, perseverance, practicality, charisma and leadership. Individuals who are characterized by an analytical type of thinking, those who are ruled by rationality tend to gravitate to straight bands.But is this type of edge comfortable? The answer is yes as long as the edge is not sharp and the wearer chooses comfort fit for the inner design. Gabriel Style:MBM0101-60W4JJJ Abevelededge adds an extra dimension to a plain wedding band giving it a more architectural and sleek appearance. Beveled wedding rings feature three faces, unlike traditionalwedding ringswhich have one continuous outer surface. Gabriel Style:MBH0120-80W4JJJ Aroundededge, as the name implies, has a softer edge that’s smooth to the touch and is considered to be the most comfortable to put on. Gabriel Style:MBM0115-60W4JJJ METAL The most common choice for a men’s wedding band remains 14 karat gold as it’s not as soft as 18 karat or platinum. While yellow gold still remains a common choice for men’s wedding bands, white toned metals such as white gold, platinum and palladium have gained popularity among the masses in the US. Yellow Gold– 14 karat or 18 karat yellow gold is a classic look universally appreciated around the world for its timeless elegance. Because pure 24 karat gold is too soft for jewelry, the less pure 14 karat rings will be tougher even than the 18 karat bands that contain more pure gold. So depending on your lifestyle and activity level choose a karat that suits your needs.Yellow gold also looks great alongside white gold rendering it a perfect two tone combination. White Gold– 14 karat or 18 karat white gold is another very common gold choice for men’s wedding bands. Because white gold is usually rhodium plated for enhanced durability and reflection, in time it may require re-polishing as the rhodium plating tends to wear off with time. White tones are most popular for women’s engagement rings making it a great match with the men’s band. Platinum– Another great choice for a wedding band is platinum. With itsrarity, hardness and luster, platinum easily ranks at the top of the most expensive and prestigious choices for a wedding band. Due to its high durability, it is easy to maintain with basic care and occasional re-polishing. Platinum is also the perfect metal for those who are allergic to the alloys used with yellow and white gold. Rose Gold– Though not as popular as yellow and white, rose gold is a unique choice for the fashion forward man. For those that appreciate the color but don’t feel comfortable with an all rose gold band, it looks fantastic in a two tone design in combination with a white metal. You should consider the above points when choosing your wedding band. Trying on multiple styles at Roman Jewelers will assure that you choose one that will be the most comfortable to wear and looks best on your finger, as well as ensuringthat you order your correct size.

Pearls are the only gemstones formed within a living organism, making them the most organic gemstones. Pretty much any shelled mollusk (or clam) can produce a pearl, butjust two types of bivalveclams canproduce rich creamy-colored, opalescent pearls that are valued in the jewelry industry. It is a common misconception that pearls can form from a grain of sand:If that were the case, we’d all have a lovely set of pearls.They are actually formed naturallyby tiny irritants that enter the bodies of the mollusk. Alternatively, pearl farmers can purposefully plant a bead or piece of tissue that the mollusk coats withnacre (mother-of-pearl). June Birthstone Though June is known for having three birthstones,the pearlis the most desirable because of their natural, timeless beauty.The pearl symbolizes purity and innocence which is the main reason why it isa tradition for the bride to wear pearls on herwedding day. Not only is it June’s popular birthstone, but it is also common to gift your partner pearls on the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries. Pearls are associatedwith royalty, luxury, and social class, promoting success and good fortune.Pearls are certainly as precious as the wearer, so whether it’s for a birthday or an anniversary. History and Fun Facts Derived from the Old French word ‘perle,’ which comes from the Latin word ‘perna‘ meaning “leg”:Pernareferences the leg-of-mutton shape of an open clamshell. Natural pearls were once found in many parts of the world, but today, pearling is restricted to the Persian Gulf waters near Bahrain. The last and largest pearl diving fleets are owned by Australia, and it continues to harvest pearls from the Indian Ocean. Though natural pearls are produced in the wild, they can also be farmed (cultured) and dyed into a variety of colors. Majority of farmed pearls come from China, and the South Sea pearls (one of the rarest) are farmed in Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia. Natural vsCultured (Farmed) Pearls Natural pearls are extremely rare. Historically, many were found in the Persian Gulf; unfortunately, today, most have already been harvested. Small natural pearls are still on the market, but they will most likely be expensive. On the other hand, cultured pearls are grown in special pearl farms. The mollusks are raised until they are old enough to accept the mother-of-pearl bead nucleus. Through a delicate procedure, a technician implants the bead, then the mollusks are returned to the water and cared for while the pearl forms. Over 10,000 pearls may be sorted before a 16-inch single strand of beautifully matched pearls is assembled. Freshwater vs Saltwater Pearls Freshwater pearlsare the product of mussels that inhabit freshwater lakes and rivers.Freshwater pearls can be round or irregular in their shapes and exhibit unusual colors. There is a plethora of freshwater pearls available each year-unlike saltwater pearls, whose perfectly round shapes and mirror-like luster make theman ideal choice. To the contrary, saltwater pearlscome from oysters inhabiting the oceans of the world.Whereas saltwater pearls are investment grade quality, freshwater pearls are closer to commercial-quality jewelry in their prices. Regardless of their price or rarity, freshwater pearls are nonetheless beautiful. And when it comes to choosing between a freshwater pearl vs. saltwater pearl, the price is a known to be deciding factor for many. Check Out More Fun Facts Below Ancient Greece believed pearls were ‘tears of the gods.” A Chinese historian is the first to write about pearls in 2206 B.C. The oldest pearl jewelry thus far was discovered in the coffin of a Persian Princess who died in 520 B.C. Ancient Japanese folktales told that pearls were created from the tears of mystical creatures like mermaids and nymphs. Early Chinese civilizations believed that by slaying a dragon you can claim the pearl that was supposedlylodged in their teeth which ultimately grants you wisdom. In the Hindu culture, pearls arecalled “teardrops of the moon” because folklore read that dewdrops fell from the moon into the sea, and Krishna picked one for his daughter on her wedding day. Pearls have always been associated with wealth and power. During the Byzantine Empire, only the emperor was allowed to wear these gemstones, and Ancient Egyptians were often buried with their pearls. Tudor England was known as the Pearl Age because it gained so much popularity with the upper class that vintage portraits show royals wearing pearl jewelry and clothing adorned with the gemstone. Pierre Carter traded a double strand of natural pearls for a mansion on Fifth Avenue (653 Fifth Ave) in New York City. Joe DiMaggio gave Marilyn Monroe a 16-inch strand of 44 cultured pearls on their honeymoon in Japan. Natural pearls can be separated from cultured pearls by taking X-rays to reveal their inner structures. A pearl can dissolve in vinegar as it is very soft(2.5-3.0 on the Mohs scale) and sensitive to extreme heat and acidity. When rubbed against your teeth, natural and/or farmed pearls have a slightly rough texture while replicas are smooth. One of the most famousnatural pearls is the 50.56ct La Peregrina. About the size of a pigeon’s egg, the drop shaped pearl was discovered in the 1500s in the Gulf of Panama. It became a prized possession of European royalty. Richard Burton eventually gifted it to Elizabeth Taylor in 1969; Christie’s New York auctioned the Cartier necklace containing La Peregrina for $11.8 million in 2011. In the ancient Sanskrit text, theAtharvaveda, pearls were said to bestow long life and prosperity. In Asia, pearls were believed to help alleviate indigestion and hemorrhages. Some19thcentury Arab physicians maintained that pearl powder improved eyesight, quieted nervous tremors, and eased depression. Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a single pearl in a glass of wine and drank it, simply to win a wager with Mark Antony that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in just one meal. How to Assess the Quality of a Pearl? Luster:Pearls with high luster have sharp bright reflections on the surface. Surface Quality:The number of blemishes on the surface determines the quality. Shape:Round pearls are valued the most, but symmetrical drops are also desirable. Color:Though white is common and classic, unusual colors are increasing in popularity. Nacre Thickness:Thickness is measured to ensure that farmed pearls are durable. Size:Cultured Pearls can range from 2-16mm in diameter. Matching:For pearl strands and multi-pearl pieces, how well the pearls match affects the value.

June is pride month and Roman Jewelers is celebrating, because we love...LOVE. All kinds of Love. When it comes to ring proposals we’ve seen some couples throw “traditions” out the window, and others that hold on to traditions and have always had the ring of their dreams in their minds. The good news is Roman Jewelers’ BOGO wedding ring Event is designed to work for everyone. DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIENDYes, the saying is always relevant. Many same-sex ladies want the ring of their dreams..a diamond engagement ring and/or a diamond wedding band. Brides are choosing engagement rings in fancy shapes more frequently, as it seems to be a growing trend, but round diamonds are still the most popular. We’ve had couples add colored stones to the setting, as well. Bridal Diamond bands range from modest and modern to bold and luxurious and can accompany a band or be worn alone. Matching diamond bands can be a romantic touch, but again, every couple is different and they should choose what they will enjoy. When a couple purchases a ring during our BOGO event for $1,000, the second one is free up to $500, or that amount can be applied to the second ring. Diamond Wedding Bands Bring the sparkle.These are from Hearts on Fire. AN AMAZING VARIETY OF WEDDING BANDS FOR ALLDiamonds are not just for the ladies, many men choose to have diamonds on their bands, too. It’s all personal preference. There are so many choices in alternate gemstones and alternate metals including sapphires in any and all colors and metal options like Platinum, Platinum 600 (which adds an alloy), Mixed colored Gold, Titanium and more. A trend lately has been the “edgier” look of a black wedding ring. Black wedding rings can be made of titanium, black rhodium, as well as cobalt and more. For some, a black wedding ring can symbolize courage and strength. It's not just representative of physical strength, but strength of conviction, too. Therefore, it “says” something about the person wearing it. If you are not sure which wedding ring material or gemstones is right for you, speak to your sales representative, who will be more than happy to advise you on the type of wedding band that will suit your budget, your taste, and your lifestyle.   14K Rose Gold-Black Rhodium Wedding Band RAINBOW WEDDING RING COLLECTIONSPride, for some can be about recognizing the social significance and diversity of LGBTQIA+ marriages and relationships, so colored rainbow gemstones are always in style—and they are fun. Many do not know that sapphires come in all colors from pink and blue to purple and red and a favorite is to use them all in bridal jewelry bands or to choose a ring stack. Designers like Tacori, have handcrafted beautiful and bright sculpted crescent rings to fall in love with. Rainbow Rings from Designer, Tacori CUSTOM DESIGNED WEDDING RINGSRoman Jewelers has been custom designing wedding rings for four generations, because for some couples it is more meaningful, or perhaps they are looking to incorporate elements from family jewelry or design something that speaks to their unique-love. Our custom designers can sit down with you and design a wedding ring as unique as your love and pretty much anything you could dream of. Note: Custom Design is excluded from the current BOGO Ring Promotion. THE FINAL TOUCHES, AND OUR COMMITMENT TO LOVEAll couples put care and meaning into their ring proposals. Roman Jewelers is here to help with interest free financing, free engraving during the BOGO ring promotion and dedicated, open-minded sales consultants that care about you and your rings :). We invite you to learn more about our June BOGO Ring Event and make an appointment. We look forward to welcoming you.

Photo L to R: Judy Gold, Designer Freida Rothman, Courtney Newman and Roman Jewelers Co-owner, Lucy Zimmerman at Roman Jewelers on May 6th Women of Strength Event Bridgewater, NJ--Roman Jewelers partnered with Brooklyn jewelry designer, Freida Rothman, last week to honor Women of Strength in our local community. The event, planned in celebration of Mother’s Day, awarded two local women: Judy Gold of Flemington and Courtney Newman of Hillsborough, with a bracelet and donations to their charities, BW NICE and STEPS TOGETHER, respectively. The bracelet was designed by Freida Rothman and presented to the winners by both Rothman and Roman Jewelers’ store owner, Lucy Zimmerman, on Thursday, May 6th at the Bridgewater jewelry store at 500 Commons Way. The women were selected by Roman Jewelers’ sales staff and store owners for their exemplary commitment to our communities and their example of strength during some difficult times. Both women were inspired by their own personal circumstances to support their chosen charities.   Co-Owner Lucy Zimmerman says, “Both Judy and Courtney were obvious choices. Women of Strength are givers…and leaders. Both these ladies look for opportunities to do the most good deeds as possible in their communities. They are both inspired and never give up. And that takes strength and commitment.” Zimmerman says that her own Mother, Sophie Shor, is herself a woman of strength, adding that “I’ve learned so much from my own Woman of Strength, my Mom. She is my inspiration in all I do…as my business partner but also a leader in the community. Over my life, she has been nothing but an amazing example of humanity and strength.” Judy Gold is a local, successful realtor, businesswoman, and community member in Hunterdon County. Judy is an advocate for women survivors in the community. She is a board member of the BUSINESS WOMEN NETWORKING INVOLVING CHARITY AND EDUCATION (BW NICE) to help women not just survive but thrive with community care and support. Courtney Newman started Steps Together after medical scares with both of her young children. The organization formed in 2013 and assists local families who are facing a medical crisis by providing financial relief, while also bringing awareness to the conditions that impact them. The charity has raised nearly $900,000. An ode to female endurance and fortitude, Freida Rothman began the Women of Strength campaign to honor the stories and sentiments of women that have shaped her as a mother, daughter, and designer. The campaign has honored female Holocaust survivors—including her own grandmothers, Women of West Point Military Academy, and most recently, female healthcare workers across the country. According to Rothman, “People are doing good things, and this is what keeps us going — to do good things to help each other, to donate to good causes.” Roman Jewelers was honored to host Ms. Rothman at the Bridgewater store and equally honored to recognize the local Women of Strength. “I designed the STRENGTH bracelet to honor the legacy of my four grandparents — all Holocaust survivors. They taught me to always see the beauty in life and choose a positive path forward in the face of adversity and the obstacles we all go through. The STRENGTH bracelet celebrates and reminds each woman of their inner strength and to make a positivedifference in this world. I used a textured dark rhodium finish to symbolize grit and resilience, and handset pavé stones for the perfect combination of grit and glamour.” Freida Rothman For further information: BW NICE: https://bwnice.org/bwnice-chapter/hunterdon-county-chapter/Steps Together: https://www.steps-together.org/Freida Rothman: https://www.freidarothman.com/Roman Jewelers: www.romanjewelers.com

Who is lucky enough to be born in April? If it is you, your birthstone is the diamond. For the rest, we are still lucky enough to enjoy diamonds, the most celebrated of all gemstones. Why? Diamonds symbolize so much: beauty, strength, resilience, purity, and a whole lot of sparkle. Diamonds are iconic. They are a symbol of so many things! They inspire movies, songs, stories, and dreams. Young children learn early that diamonds are magical, precious, and priceless. Diamonds were first discovered thousands of years ago in India, where they were used as decorations and as talismans to ward off evil spirits and diseases. Four hundred years later, in 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria became the first man to propose with a diamond ring when he asked Mary of Burgundy to marry him. That’s a long tradition. Today, in the USA, the diamond remains the iconic symbol of engagement and a lifelong commitment to love. A Symbol of Innocence… Though diamonds are revered among minerals for their superior strength and durability, they are also associated with innocence. The diamond’s super-hard structure makes it virtually incorruptible. Its dual strength and purity make it the perfect adornment as jewelry. With so many shapes available, it’s easy to find one that speaks to you. Options for finding diamonds are abundant, but seeing a diamond in person is the best way to discover what makes it unique. More Than Wedding Jewelry… In the United States, the diamond is typically associated with the engagement ring, symbolizing the commitment of matrimony. But diamonds also feature in some of the most stunning jewelry in the world. Their unique structure, paired with skilled cutting techniques, allows them to refract light in a mesmerizing way. England's crown jewels must be seen in person—you’ll be awestruck. Yet diamond jewelry in jewelers’ cases is stunning for the rest of us too. Religious Significance The use of diamonds in jewelry and engagement rings is relatively recent compared to their use in religious rituals. In India, diamonds have been regarded as religious icons for over 3,000 years. In the Bible, diamonds represented one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and according to the Book of Exodus, they adorned the garments of priests serving in the temple. In the Book of Jeremiah, the diamond was used as a tool and instrument of judgment. The World of Colored Diamonds Not all diamonds are white! While their hues are often paler than other gemstones, colored diamonds are rare and highly sought after. Black diamonds, chocolate diamonds, and the coveted yellow, blue, pink, and red diamonds are among the most precious. See a spectacular collection at our upcoming Million Dollar Diamond Ring Event.

While the diamond ring remains a universal symbol of love and commitment, researching the 4Cs, comparing prices, and endless searching can take some of the fun—and romance—out of the experience. Roman Jewelers wants to make it easier for you to discover the diamond ring that best expresses your romance. Fresh, stylish, dynamic, and diverse in design is exactly what today’s engagement ring shoppers are looking for. Modern couples want diamond ring styles that match their individual love story—ranging from classic to minimalist, artisan-inspired to colorful, and everything in between. Classic round diamond ring setting by Roman Jewelers The Best Classic Diamond Rings A classic solitaire, pear-shaped, or emerald-cut diamond on a simple band—or flanked by side stones—is a forever favorite. Considering you’ll wear this ring for decades, sticking with timeless styles often makes sense. There’s a reason the round diamond has remained the top-selling diamond for over 50 years. Fancy Diamond Cut Rings For a classic ring with a twist, surround the center stone with fancy-cut diamonds such as hexagons, kite shapes, or shields. These unique cuts add visual interest and can feel modern or slightly edgy. Fancy cuts—including heart shapes or triangles—are also being used as center stones, perfect for brides who want to express individuality. Modern Minimalist Diamond Rings Modern minimalist look from Parade Simple, sleek diamond ring designs express relaxed, lived-in luxury. In these designs, the diamond is often integrated into the ring rather than serving as the focal point. This style appeals to brides seeking understated elegance that suits a modern, casual lifestyle. Halo Set Diamond Rings Cushion-cut ring in a halo setting by Roman Jewelers A halo engagement ring surrounds the center stone with pavé-set diamonds, enhancing sparkle and giving the illusion of a larger center stone while offering added protection. Halo settings complement many diamond shapes, from round and oval to fancy cuts. Artisan-Style Diamond Rings Rose-cut ring from Parade Artisan-style engagement rings appeal to brides who value understated, perfectly imperfect beauty. These designs often feature textured metals or hand-applied techniques like granulation and filigree. They celebrate the natural character of diamonds—especially rose-cut or rough diamonds. East–West Diamond Rings An east–west setting features a diamond set horizontally on the band. Ideal for pear, marquise, or emerald-cut diamonds, this style offers directional appeal with timeless elegance. Ring set from Simon G Bridal Diamond Ring Sets Bridal ring sets offer a seamless look where the engagement ring and wedding band fit together perfectly. These sets appeal to brides who value harmony—or want added drama through jacket-style designs. Vintage Diamond Rings — New or Using an Heirloom Gem Vintage-inspired design from Simon G Vintage styles—from Edwardian to Art Deco—offer charm and character. Whether using an heirloom stone or creating a custom design, these rings are rich with history. Diamond Eternity Bands Eternity bands symbolize everlasting love with diamonds set in a continuous circle. Today’s designs range from classic pavé to bold mosaic styles. Eternity band from A. Jaffe Art Deco–Style Diamond Rings Celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Art Deco movement, these designs feature geometric lines, symmetry, and bold contrasts—timeless yet modern. Fancy Colored Diamond Rings Pink, blue, and yellow diamonds make a striking statement. While more intense colors are pricier, smaller or lighter shades offer an affordable alternative. Black, brown, and champagne diamonds provide dramatic and modern options. No matter your style, Roman Jewelers is the perfect place to find your diamond ring. Join us at our upcoming Million Dollar Bridal Event, April 10–25. Make an appointment today. Special thanks to the Natural Diamond Council for their support with this blog.

By: Robin Lefkowitz-Huska, Guest Blogger The garnet gemstone is often associated with its deep red hue, but one of the most common misconceptions is that garnets only exist in shades of red, ranging from rust-colored to deep violet-red. In reality, garnet refers to a large group of rock-forming minerals that occur in a rich palette of colors—from burgundy red to light, translucent green. Among all garnet colors, the rarest are blue, colorless, and those that change color under different lighting conditions. Garnets were first discovered in Madagascar in the late 1990s. Since then, deposits have been found in many countries including the United States, Russia, Brazil, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Turkey. The word “garnet” originates from the 14th-century Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red. It is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning seed—an allusion to the gemstone’s resemblance to the deep red seeds of a pomegranate. January’s Birthstone Those born in January are fortunate to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. While garnets are commonly red, they also appear in stunning shades of orange, yellow, purple, and green. Some rare garnets even change color—from blue to purple—under different lighting conditions. Many believe the true value of the garnet birthstone lies in its ability to bring good health, wealth, and happiness to its wearer. History In ancient Rome, garnets were set into signet rings worn by clergy and nobility to seal important documents with wax. The Victorians popularized garnet jewelry by creating elaborate statement pieces made with clusters of tiny red garnets. During the Middle Ages, garnets were worn as protective amulets by soldiers and were believed to ward off disease and aid healing. Red garnets adorned Egyptian royalty and were buried with mummified bodies as treasured possessions for the afterlife. Garnet was believed to be one of the four precious stones given to King Solomon by God. Garnets have been found as beads in necklaces dating back to 3000 B.C. Garnets rank between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. The philosopher Plato had his portrait engraved on a garnet. Demantoid garnet is among the rarest and most valuable varieties, discovered in mid-1800s Russia. January-Born Celebrities January is filled with famous birthdays, including Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, Oprah Winfrey, David Bowie, Stephen Hawking, Zayn Malik, Howard Stern, Orlando Bloom, Patrick Dempsey, Ellen DeGeneres, Jackie Robinson, and Kerry Washington. Shop Roman Jewelers’ Gabriel & Co. full selection of garnet jewelry here. References https://www.gia.edu/garnet-history-lore