Garnet

The garnet is January's birthstone. Red garnets are used most often in jewelry, but they come in many colors from pink to green and even blue.
Garnets have been used in jewelry making since the days of ancient Egypt. In Roman times garnets were set in rings and used to stamp wax seals on letters.
In Jewish history, the garnet is said to be one of the four precious stones that Solomon was given by God.