Garnet Spotlight: A Closer Look at the January Birthstone
Looking for a gemstone that won’t go out of style any time soon? How about one that’s been well-loved for literally thousands of years? The deep sparkle of garnet has made it a sought-after gem for millennia. As early as the Bronze Age, this red stone was used in adornments, and diverse cultures around the world, including the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans, all used it in jewelry. With a history this strong, you can be confident that garnet jewelry will never lose its appeal.
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.
Category: Engagement Rings, Gemstone Jewelry, Gemstone Rings, Heart Jewelry
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