January Birthstone: The Garnet

Known for its deep, rich red, the garnet is a favorite among the family of gemstones and the official birthstone of the month of January. From garnet beads to pendants to solitaire earrings, there is a garnet gift to suit every January birthday on your list.

Garnet takes its name from the Latin word, granum, meaning ‘grain’ or ‘grainy one’. This is an allusion to its internal composition, which resembles little bundles of grain. While red is the color traditionally associated with the garnet, this stone has a few more hues up its sleeve. The garnet family includes ten different gemstones, which is to say, these ten gemstones all share the same chemical composition. The color spectrum includes several shades of red as well as other earthy colors such as green, orange, and yellow.

While the color of many stones is enhanced and deepened by heat treatment and irradiation, garnets have shown themselves intolerant to heat methods. Found primarily in Africa, garnets of varying colors have also been mined in Russia, India, Czech Republic, and Latin America. Garnet is the state mineral of Connecticut and the state gemstone of New York and Idaho.

While there is no direct Biblical reference to the garnet, legend holds that Noah used a lantern of garnet to guide him through the storm. Garnets were also widely used in Greek and Roman times both for jewelry and as a stone of protection, or talisman. Sailors carried the stone to illuminate the night and to guard from them from danger.

Favorite January Birthstone Gifts:

Victorian Emerald-Cut Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold (Shown above left) This Victorian-style flora ring features an emerald-cut ruby measuring 10mmx8mm. This vintage ring is a special and stylish gift for a special and stylish woman. Shown here is 14K white gold, this ring is also available in sterling silver.

Garnet Stud Earrings, 14K White Gold (Shown above right) Simple, yet elegant, the garnet is center stage in these stunning earrings. Each stone is set in a basket setting to offset the stone in all its crimson glory and provide just a hint of metallic sparkle around the edges. These solitaire stud earrings also give you the opportunity to customize the look of your jewelry. Select the size of your stones: 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm, as well as the precious metal used in the earring posts and setting: 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, or platinum.

Filigree Garnet Earrings In Sterling Silver (Shown above left) A total of twelve garnet stones are incorporated into these antique-styled sterling silver filigree earrings. This garnet gift that is attractive and affordable—perfect for a younger woman who loves jewelry with boldness and flair.

Browse More Garnet Jewelry From Apples of Gold!

Tags: antique garnet ring, garnet birthstone, garnet jewelry, gifts for january, january birthstone

Category: Jewelry History