The birthstone popularly associated with January is Garnet. 

The word "Garnet" comes from the Latin word granatus for seed or grain, most likely a reference to the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. In fact, some garnets do resemble pomegranate seeds in colour, size, and shape.

Since ancient times, garnet's traditional red colour was associated with the heart and blood. People believed garnet had a mystical power to counter melancholy, stir the heart to great deeds, prevent haemorrhage, and improve circulation.

I have used Garnet beads throughout the Russet and Twilight themes of the Earth Treasure collection.