Since the Bronze Age, garnet jewelry has been sought after and admired. The ancient Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans all favored this stone for its deep red sparkle—the same crimson glimmer that allows it to take on fresh looks today.

Vintage styles may not be new, but their distinctly feminine looks can take on a fresh sensibility when set with a stone that’s as rich and bold as the garnet. The Victorian Emerald-Cut Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold is a striking example. This ring turns a 10mm by 8mm emerald-cut garnet into a piece of fine art by surrounding it with a frame of intricately-carved white gold. If you look closely, you’ll see that this frame, as well as the band that holds it, is adorned with tiny engraved flowers, adding a sweet surprise for all who take the time to let their eyes linger upon this sophisticated piece as it turns old-fashioned style into a modern, beautiful statement.

If you’d prefer a look that’s completely modern and thoroughly classy, don’t miss the Mozambique Garnet and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold, a new, stunning addition to Apples of Gold’s collection of garnet rings. This striking pieces features a 6.5mm Mozambique garnet, accented with 46 channel-set diamonds—nearly a quarter carat in all. These accent stones stud the slender band and surround the center gem in two elegant arcs, forming a collar of sparkle. If you’d prefer a warmer look, try this style in rose gold. Either way, this is a design with rare beauty.

As a semiprecious gemstone, garnet is an affordable pick, allowing you to experiment with a wide variety of styles without making a big dent in your bank account. Silver garnet rings are particularly affordable picks as they combine this wallet-friendly gem with an equally affordable metal. Each of the above rings is also available in sterling silver, providing you with pieces that offer rich sparkle that you don’t need to be rich to buy.

Garnet pendants also provide a number of fresh takes on this ancient crimson stone. For instance, the Oval Shaped Contemporary Garnet Pendant features a 0.60 carat oval-shaped garnet that’s hugged with two shining arms of yellow gold that form a graceful teardrop shape around this gem. This simple but eye-catching modern look comes with a coordinating 18-inch chain, making it ready to wear or to give.

The deep red glimmer of garnet allows any of these pieces to communicate affection, in addition to serving as striking fashion statements. Whether you chose one of them for their good looks or their ability to express your love, these styles prove that there are plenty of fresh ways to wear this striking crimson stone.

St. Valentine was a priest during the time of Emperor Claudius—a time when the church was persecuted. The emperor passed an edit that prohibited young men from marrying due to the belief that unmarried men made better soldiers; however, St. Valentine saw the injustice of this decree and continued to marry young couples in secret. He saw that marriage was sacred and ­­­­was willing to put himself at risk to promote it.

St. Valentine was eventually captured, imprisoned, tortured and put to death as a result of his stand for marriage. Legend holds that his last words were written in letter to a young woman, which he signed “from your Valentine.”

At the end of the 5^th century the Pope declared February 14^th St. Valentine’s Day, and the day eventually became associated with love. By the 15th century, written Valentines came into being, inspired by St. Valentine’s last words. Today the holiday is a time for both married and dating couples to express their love and garnet Rings that feature hearts are gorgeous ways to do just that.

If you’d like to express your love in a way that’s bold, time-honored and sure to remain beautiful for years to come, don’t miss the Vintage Filigree Garnet Heart Ring in 14K White Gold! This Victorian design features a striking heart-shaped garnet, 10mm square, and places it within an elegantly-carved filigree-like motif. Engraved flowers and ribbons adorn the band of this perpetually beautiful ring, giving it timeless, feminine appeal.

If you’d prefer a more modern look with a heart-shaped garnet, consider the Heart Shaped Garnet and Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold.  This graceful contemporary piece places a 10mm garnet heart within a shining setting of 14K yellow gold that elegantly sweeps to form an eye-catching asymmetrical look. Five small diamonds accent this setting and provide extra sparkle.

Heart-shaped stones aren’t the only way to feature the classic symbol of love in a garnet ring. For instance, the Garnet and Diamond Heart Ring in 14K White Gold incorporates carved hearts into a vintage-style motif. This charming ring showcases a 5mm round garnet and is accented by two diamonds, each held on one side of the center stone by a finely-detailed heart. The strong lines of this 14K white gold ring create a slightly architectural look that speaks of the strength of your love.

While Valentine’s Day has changed quite a bit since St. Valentine took a stand, this holiday remains a time to focus on love. Try a piece of garnet jewelry, such as these garnet heart rings, when you want to take a stand for the one you adore.

Ruby

The ruby is one of the four classic precious gemstones, and its rich hue has caused it to be sought after and treasured for thousands of years. It’s an especially fitting stone for expressing your love as it’s durable, long-lasting and deeply beautiful.

The Ruby and Diamond Heart Ring in 14K White Gold is a perfect example of the timeless allure of this crimson stone. This Victorian-style ring features a 5mm round ruby, surrounded by an intricately-carved vintage motif that frames this stone with a hexagon of white gold and accents it with a heart on each side. A small round diamond accents each of these hearts and adds sparkle. This ring, with its century-old design, is a lovely way to tell your special someone that you’re in it for the long haul. This piece could also serve as a unique and meaningful engagement ring if you’re planning a February 14^th proposal.

Garnet

As a semiprecious gemstone, garnet is an affordable alternative to the ruby, but it’s not just a stand-in: garnet has a deep red beauty all of its own. Garnet jewelry has been prized for thousands of years in cultures spanning the globe, and its saturated hue speaks of the depth of your affection.

The Garnet Heart and Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold is a lovely piece to slip around a loved one’s neck on Valentine’s Day. This elegant pendant features a 10mm-high, heart-shaped garnet, suspended within a heart of white gold filigree, and accented by a diamond. This piece is light yet substantial, perfect for communicating that you’re the love you share is strong and able to lighten your heart.

Pink Topaz

Pink topaz jewelry is bold, feminine and impossible to miss. This brilliantly-color variety of topaz strikes the perfect balance between girlish charm and daring sophistication. Its slightly unexpected vibrancy makes it an unashamed statement of your affection.

An eye-catching heart-shaped pink topaz is the centerpiece of the Heart Shaped Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold. This vibrant 10mm-high gem is accompanied by accent diamonds that stud this piece’s unique, sweeping setting. From now until February 14, you can purchase this piece at 10 percent off by entering the coupon code “PINKHEART”. You also have a shot at winning it: enter at http://applesofgold.com/jewelry-sweepstakes/, either for yourself or for a special someone.

Ruby, garnet and pink topaz are all perfect picks for Valentine’s Day. These red and pink stones each represent your love in their own unique way.

Garnet offers welcome warmth in one of the coldest months of the year. Its saturated crimson is like the seeds of a pomegranate—in fact, it’s believed that its name comes from the Latin word “granus” (meaning grain, due to its usually round natural shape) or “granatus” (which means pomegranate, due to this stone’s resemblance to this seeds of this fruit).  Its status as the January birthstone seems especially fitting, and jewelry that features it is a lovely way to honor any special person born in the first month of the year—or anyone who’s a fan of sophisticated sparkle.

In addition to serving as the birthstone for the month of January, garnet is also the traditional gift for a second wedding anniversary and the alternate choice for a sixth anniversary. However, it’s perfect for expressing love anytime, whether you just started dating or you’ve been married for decades.

The deep red shade of garnet is the color that’s most often associated with the heart, making it especially fitting for romantic heart jewelry. For example, the Vintage Filigree Garnet Heart Ring in 14K White Gold features an eye-catching 10mm-high heart-shaped garnet that communicates an unmistakable message of affection. Antique-style swirl and flower motifs are meticulously carved into this ring, giving it a sense of timeless beauty and charm.

Garnet gives a rich shot of color to a variety of vintage styles, proving that its appeal is truly timeless and always welcome. The Victorian Era comes to life in the Garnet Bridal Wedding Ring Set in 14K White Gold. This stunning engagement ring and wedding band set is inspired by the feminine motifs of this time period, and renders these designs perfect for the present. A 4.5mm round garnet adorns the lavishly-engraved engagement ring, and both rings in the set share a detailed motif of swirls and cutouts.

Garnet is also a lovely choice for styles inspired by the Art Deco Period, as beautifully demonstrated in the 1 Carat Art Deco Garnet Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold. This unique ring reveals a round garnet in the opening petals of a white gold lotus flower with style that comes directly from the Roaring ‘20s. The lively swirl and leaf motif engraved on the band captures the excitement of this era, and sets this ring apart.

Garnet also adds sophistication and daring color to contemporary styles. For instance, the Trillion-Cut Garnet and Diamond Ring utilizes a triangular-shaped garnet, accented with four small round diamonds. This asymmetrical look is modern and fresh, while the timeless glimmer of garnet prevents it from being over-the-top trendy.

As a semiprecious gemstone, garnet is relatively affordable, making it a more budget-friendly choice than the other popular red stone: the ruby. If you’re really looking to save some cash, consider one of Apples of Gold’s garnet styles in sterling silver such as the Victorian Emerald-Cut Garnet Ring in .925 Sterling Silver. This daring yet feminine style frames a 10mm high emerald-cut garnet with an ornately-engraved design like a piece of fine art.

In addition to an array of garnet rings, Apples of Gold also offers a selection of garnet pendants and garnet earrings to add color your winter looks. For instance, the Garnet Heart and Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold surrounds a 1.5 carat heart-shaped garnet with an airy white gold heart. This filigree-inspired design is light and ladylike, making it a lovely way to symbolize a love that makes you feel light inside. A single diamond accents the bottom of this delicate pendant, which measures just over a half inch high.

If a vintage look with a bit of an edge is more your speed, try the Garnet and Black Diamond Royal Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. This sophisticated piece surrounds a 10mm high oval-shaped garnet with numerous black diamonds that make the color of this center stone seem even more vibrant. The scalloped edges of the sterling silver setting give this piece a look that’s reminiscent of a six-petal flower, but this is one flower that will never wilt or fade. Since this pendant comes with an 18” sterling silver chain, it’s ready to present as a gift that speaks of your good taste or to slip around your own neck.

If you’d prefer to add a bit of red sparkle closer to your face, try a pair of garnet earrings such as the 7mm x 5mm Pear Shaped Garnet and Diamond Flower Earrings in 14K White Gold. Each earring features a 7mm high, teardrop-shaped garnet, surrounded by 14 smaller diamonds like sparkling flower petals. This pair is a lovely way to dress up any winter outfit and to add warmth to your face.

Any of these pieces of garnet jewelry would be complemented by the Garnet Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold. Choose from 6mm, 7mm or 8mm stones for a pair of earrings that adds just the right pop of color. No matter what size stones you select, they’ll be held securely and stylishly in place with 14K white gold basket settings. You also have your choice of push-on or screw backs, allowing you to select a pair that suits your preferences and lifestyle. The classic look of these earrings will allow them to serve as stylish accents for years to come.

Regardless of whether you were born in January, July or anywhere in between, garnet jewelry provides welcome reprieve from the coldest season of the year. Try one of these rings, pendants or earrings to warm up your winter style.