January's Birthstone Unlocked: A Guide to Its Magic and Meaning Dates back thousands of years in the history of garnet where ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians wore it as the symbol of stability and life. During the Victorian era, this deep red-hued stone was very popular and used as a signet ring to shield wearers against negative energies such as black magic, evil spirits, and bad karma. It is also thought that the powerful garnet stone encourages truth, faith, and love because of the tale of Persephone. As considered the birthstone for January, this unique stone earned popularity worldwide for its fashionable and aesthetic Garnet Jewelry even in present times.