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January’s Birthstone: Garnet

January's birthstone garnet

Garnet: January's Birthstone with Bold Beauty and Rich History

If you were born in January, you’ve got one of the most versatile and meaningful gemstones to call your own. Garnet is best known for its deep red color, but this durable birthstone comes in a wide variety of hues and styles, perfect for everything from classic to modern garnet jewelry.

At Copeland Jewelers in Austin, we love making custom jewelry pieces with garnet. From glowing orange spessartite to vivid green tsavorite, there’s a garnet color to match every personality and style.

What Is Garnet?

The word “Garnet” comes from the Latin granatus, referring to the pomegranate’s red seeds. This connection to rich color and natural beauty has made garnet a favorite gemstone for centuries.

It’s also the traditional gem for celebrating the 2nd wedding anniversary, offering even more personal significance.

The Many Types of Garnet

While most people think of deep red garnets when thinking about this tone, the truth is that garnet exists in a wide range of rainbow of colors:

  • Pyrope: Ranges from purplish-red to dark red. These are often called Bohemian garnets.
  • Almandine: Rich, deep reds, sometimes bordering on brown or black.
  • Spessartine (or Spessartite): Known for vivid oranges and yellows.
  • Andradite: Yellow to green, including rare green demantoid garnets.
  • Grossular: Offers the widest color range, from colorless to green to reddish-orange. This group includes the tsavorite garnet in a brilliant green and the Hessonite garnet, also known as the “cinnamon stone” for its warm reddish-orange to brownish-orange tones.
Rhodolite Garnet & Diamond Pendant
Rose colored rhodolite garnet
Orange Spessartite Garnet Ring
Vivid orange spessartite garnet
Glowing green tsavorite garnet

You’ll also find stunning garnets like rose-toned rhodolite (a blend of pyrope and almandine), the mint-colored Merelani, and fiery mandarin garnets.

Some garnets even shift color in different lighting (similar to alexandrite), transforming from blueish to purple tones depending on the environment.

Where Garnet Stones Are Found

Garnets are mined around the world, making them a truly global gemstone. Some locations include:

  • Deep red pyrope garnet: Found in Sri Lanka, South Africa, China, Madagascar, and parts of the U.S.
  • Spessartine: Mined in Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the U.S. The richest orange tones come from Namibia.
  • Almandine: Commonly sourced from Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, and the U.S.

Why Garnet Jewelry Is So Wearable

Garnet ranks between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it strong enough for everyday wear with proper care. It’s also used industrially in grinding, filtration, and air blasting, proof of its toughness.

When used in designer jewelry, garnet offers both beauty and durability. With proper storage and cleaning, your garnet jewelry can last for generations.

Garnet’s Symbolism and Healing Lore

Throughout history, garnet has symbolized protection, love, and vitality. It’s believed to enhance trust and boost energy.

In various cultures, people have used garnet to ward off nightmares, aid circulation, and support healing from inflammation.

While these beliefs aren’t backed by science, many still wear garnet as a symbolic or meaningful stone.

A Gemstone with Ancient Roots

Garnet has been used in jewelry since ancient times:

  • Pharaohs in ancient Egypt adorned themselves with garnet.

  • A garnet necklace found in Egypt dates back over 5,000 years.

  • Sumerians wore garnet jewelry around 2100 BC.

  • Garnets were highly popular in the Victorian era.

  • In the 19th century, Russian jeweler Fabergé favored demantoid garnets in his designs.

Garnet has earned its place in both everyday wear and royal collections.

How Garnets Are Valued

  • Color: The most important. Rich, saturated tones like deep red or vivid green often command higher prices.
  • Type: Rarer varieties like demantoid or tsavorite are typically more valuable.
  • Type: Rarer varieties like demantoid or tsavorite are typically more valuable.
  • Clarity: Fewer inclusions mean higher quality.
  • Size: Larger stones are generally worth more, though quality still matters most.

Caring for Garnet Jewelry

To keep your garnet pieces looking their best:

  • Clean with mild soap and water using a soft brush.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals or extreme temperature changes.

Store separately from harder stones like diamonds or sapphires to avoid scratches, and be cautious about garnets scratching softer stones as well.

LEARN MORE: Tips For Keeping Your Jewelry Clean

Fun Fact: The Subway Garnet

In 1885, a massive garnet was discovered during construction in Manhattan. Weighing nearly 10 pounds and measuring seven inches in diameter, it became known as the “Sewer Garnet.” It’s now on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Explore Garnet Jewelry at Copeland Jewelers

Looking for a meaningful birthday gift, celebrating an anniversary, or adding a standout piece to your collection? Garnet offers timeless beauty with a modern edge.

At Copeland Jewelers, our experts can help you explore the full variety of garnet and create custom fine jewelry that matches your style. Stop by our showroom to view our collection or get your garnet jewelry appraised by a professional.