Back from India, I spent an afternoon in the V and A museum's Indian galleries and there, in a small cabinet on the side, was a gold necklace. Unusually the necklace was threaded on a heavy black cord, almost a rope. Along its length, evenly spaced, were golden amulets with wonderfully deeply-engraved textures and all of them with differing outlines. As I read about it from the notes inside the cabinet, I learnt that it had come from southern India - as part of a dowry. The gold pendants, I realised, represented seed pods known as Thali (charms) from Southern India representing exotic spices, fruits and seeds. In the necklace there were (in no particular order): aniseed, Tulasi-madan (sacred basil and very common in India), mango, plantain, coconut, brinjal, coriander, almonds, melon and nutmeg.

Originating from the Latin name "granatus", meaning seed-like, rounded garnet crystals bring to mind perfectly polished pomegranate seeds. The scientist in Cassandra has always been fascinated by this isomorphous series, giving rise to gems ranging from colourless through to all colours of the rainbow. These gleaming gemstones have a high refractive index, perpetually emitting light. Some will even change colour, appearing bluish-green in daylight and purplish-red in incandescent light. No wonder they are said to have guided travellers throughout history, with their light warding off all darkness and fears. With these strong associations to illumination, it's not surprising garnets have also been so popular with kings and queens, vikings, and knights. Imbued with eternal happiness, health, and wealth, the traditionally resplendent red colour of garnets enriches wearers with faith, stability, and courage. An appropriate birthstone for January, which marks the beginning of the year.