If you think about it, garnet is pretty underrated, and much of that isn’t even its fault. For starters, it’s the birthstone of January—a strong opener for a new year, but unless you have a birthday during this month, you’re probably just wishing the month away like the rest of us.
And on red carpets? Forget it—in the shadow of gemstones like emerald, diamond, and ruby (its color counterpart), garnet doesn’t get a fair shake. My top search result for “red carpet garnet” is a liquor store called Red Carpet Liquors in Gallatin, Tenn.…so, yeah.
But garnet rules, for a multitude of reasons. It’s durable as heck: There are remains of garnet dating as far back to the ancient Egyptians—some evidence dates it back even farther—a time when the gemstone was revered as a symbol of protection. Also, if you’re into the slightly dark and mysterious, few gems can rival garnet for its earthy shade of red that feels both welcoming and a bit eerie (but in a good, drawn-to-it way).
And on the topic of shades—variations of the gem such as demantoid, spessartite, rhodolite, and tsavorite are among the most alluring stones out there.
So, you might be willing January to hurry its way out of here (you’re not the only one), but while we’re still living it, don’t sleep on its birthstone. Here are some of the latest garnet jewels to get down on.
Top: Baby Vine oxblood ring with 1.02 ct. garnet and enamel in 9k yellow gold and sterling silver, $640; Bea Bongiasca
