Garnets are beautiful , rich looking gemstones, modernly considered the birthstone of those born in the first 3 weeks of January. Most people think of them in their most common color, a deep burgundy red, but the truth is that garnets appear in a rainbow of colors. There are pink, green, violet and even (rarer) black garnets.

The name comes from an ancient Greek word for the pomegranate seed, which has a similar hue to the red version of the stone. The Egyptians long ago used garnets in their jewelry making. Today, garnets are still popular, beautiful and reasonably priced.

Like all gemstones, you have to be careful not to scratch them or expose them to chemicals or temperature extremes, but they are a sturdy stone that can last for many generations with proper care.

I love variety, and realize there’s plenty of room for all types of taste in jewelry. Some people wouldn’t be seen in anything but gold, some need to be dripping in diamonds while others wear only a simple wedding band or a pair of pear studs.

I still find my self attracted to silver jewelry with dogs , cats or other animals. Why is this? Well of course I love animals anyway, but there is something that fascinates me about an artist who can capture all the whimsy and life of an animal in something as tiny as a silver earring, a gold pendant or a platinum ring. And silver charms! Who can resist them?

It’s too bad men are not encouraged to wear body adornment, as they once were. Sure you can wear an earring, but how many men are brave enough to put on a charm bracelet? Yet in many cultures it was the men, like male peacocks, who were the decorated ones.