What Is Garnet? Your Complete Guide To January’s Birthstone

Garnet is best known for its captivating red color. January’s birthstone is part of a mineral group that has a wide range of colors ranging from fiery red to vibrant greens and even subtle blues.

Predominantly sourced from Africa, garnets are also mined in India, Russia, and parts of Central and South America. The word garnet comes from the Latin word for pomegranate, thanks to its deep red color just like the seeds, and has a definition that evolved from Middle English expressions linked to the term for dark red.

Garnet is more than just a beautiful gemstone; it also has significant symbolism. Thought to represent perseverance, strength, loyalty, and enduring friendships, it is also believed to possess protective and soothing properties.

Many believe garnet to be a talisman for calming energy and safety. It is revered not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to bring health, wealth, and happiness to those who wear it. It is no wonder it is nicknamed “the energizer gemstone,” thanks to its energy-balancing powers.

While it is most well-known for its iconic red hue, garnet actually has a wide color range. From warm oranges to serene blues and lush greens, garnets can display an array of colors, varying in intensity and opacity based on how light passes through them.

Garnets have been used since the ancient Egyptians, who adorned their pharaohs with garnet jewelry in their tombs. The Crusaders used garnets as protection during battle and legends suggest that garnets were used to illuminate Noah’s ark from the Bible. By the 1500s, garnets became a staple for European royals and their fine jewelry collections, cementing its status as a regal gem.

Make sure to follow the tips below to keep your January birthstone jewelry shining all year long.

• Fill a bowl with warm water
• Add gentle dish soap
• Soak in water
• Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris
• Wipe off jewelry using a clean, wet cloth
• Allow to air dry
• Other options:
  • Use an ultrasonic cleaner as long as your garnet has no fractures
  • NEVER steam clean
• Store your garnet pieces in soft fabric jewelry boxes or bags

Just like most months of the year, January has more than one birthstone. In addition to garnet, January is also represented by rose quartz. Known for its soft pink hue and thought to bring love and contentment to those who wear it, rose quartz has its own unique history. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used it in beauty rituals to promote clear skin and even prevent aging.

• Some garnets can change color depending on the lighting
• Garnets have been found in meteorites!
• It is the official gemstone for second wedding anniversaries

Keep in mind the following when searching for your garnet gemstone jewelry:

• Color
• Clarity
• Cut
• Carat weight

Just like all diamonds and gemstones, the famous 4C’s are used to grade garnets. Look for a vibrant red hue, minimal inclusions, a good, sparkly cut, and of course, size matters!

Whether you are looking for something big and bold or need another piece for your minimalist style, garnet jewelry has you covered, starting with these beauties.

Rings: From classic solitaries to modern chains and rings that dazzle, you need a garnet ring!

Necklaces: From warm reds to bold hues, garnet necklaces will give your outfit that perfect pop of color.

Earrings: From studs perfect for every day to halo pieces that shine bright, garnet earrings luxuriate.

Bracelets: From multi-stone to line styles, garnet bracelets look good on every wrist.

Interested in more? Of course you are! Visit James Allen’s Garnet Collection. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, were born in January or any other month of the year, we have a wide range of high-quality, hand-crafted garnet pieces that are as beautiful as they are meaningful.

January’s birthstone garnet has deep historical roots and beautiful color, making it a stylish, timeless choice for jewelry. Its combination of aesthetic appeal and deep symbolism makes garnet an ideal gemstone whenever you were born. So add a piece to your collection today!