Discover January's Birthstone: The Garnet
If you were fortunate enough to be born in January your birthstone is the deep red Garnet - a stone with a fascinating history.
Although Garnets have been worked into Garnet jewellery since ancient times they rose to particular prominence during the late Victorian era, where their subdued colouring formed the perfect compliment to the sombre styles of the day.
In this article, we take a deeper look at this January birthstone, the Garnet gem meaning and the history of Garnet birthstone jewellery.
The History of Garnet
Garnets have traversed cultures and epochs, representing everything from wealth and royalty to protection and romance. The history of Garnet dates back thousands of years, making them one of the oldest known gemstones. In ancient Egypt, Garnets were revered for their deep red hue, symbolising life and power, and were often used in jewellery and burial ornaments. During the Roman Empire, Garnet became a popular choice for signet rings, used to seal important documents. Throughout history, Garnet has been associated with protection, loyalty, and vitality, making them a beloved choice for jewellery across cultures and eras.
What is the Garnet Gem's Meaning: The Etymology of the Garnet
The Garnet gem's meaning comes from the word granatum, meaning seed, and is said to derive from the fact that natural Garnets appear to resemble pomegranate seeds both in their colour and formation. The Garnet was often gifted to symbolise friendship or another deep abiding love, which makes them wonderful gifts for January babies.
The Gem of Faith: Garnets as Talismans
Garnets have long been used as a talisman by tribes and religious sects who believed that the Garnet would bring them protection against danger and evil spirits. In fact, the Garnets curative and shielding powers have been believed in and celebrated since the Ancient Egyptians dubbed it the stone of life in 3100 BC.
Today the Garnet continues to adorn jewellery and be worn as both the January stone and too by many who believe the Garnet to be the gem of faith as the Garnet is said to hold the power to endow its wearer with yearlong happiness, restore health and even bring wealth to its owner. Perhaps this is why many also believe that despite its characteristic fiery colour, the Garnet brings its wearer peace and tranquillity.
The Types of Garnet
There are a number types of Garnet including several distinct varieties, each with unique characteristics and colours. The key Garnet stones include:
Almandine Garnet: The most common Garnet, known for its deep red to reddish-brown hue, often with a slight violet tint. It's popular in both antique and modern jewellery.
Pyrope Garnet: Famous for its vibrant blood-red colour, pyrope is a classic choice in jewellery, offering a brilliant and fiery appearance.
Spessartine Garnet: Often orange to reddish-orange, spessartine is rarer and prized for its bright, warm tones. It’s sometimes referred to as “mandarin Garnet.”
Grossular Garnet: This type encompasses a wide range of colours, from green (tsavorite) to yellow, brown, and even near-colourless varieties. Tsavorite Garnets are particularly sought after for their vivid green hues as green is synonymous with nature, growth and new life providing those born in January with an unusual and beautiful way to celebrate both their coming into the world and to the beginning of a brand new year.
The Tsavorite Garnet: Brilliantly green and not dissimilar in that regard to vibrant emeralds, the tsavorite Garnet is a young stone despite its considerably long geological history. It is described and understood to be young as it was only first discovered close to Tanzania by geologist Dr. Campbell R Bridges in the 1900s. The tsavorite Garnet has since been steadily gaining in popularity after famous jewellery makers Tiffany and Co. First began featuring it in their own designs during the 1970s.
Andradite Garnet: Known for its high brilliance and variety of colours, including green (demantoid), yellow, and black. Demantoid Garnets are especially rare and valuable.
Uvarovite Garnet: A rare variety that is exclusively green, often found in small, crystal-like clusters. It is typically not faceted but rather left in its natural form for jewellery.
Rhodolite Garnet: A blend of almandine and pyrope, this Garnet ranges from purplish-red to pink, offering a lighter, more romantic alternative to traditional deep-red Garnets.
Colour-Change Garnet: A rare and highly prized variety that changes colour under different lighting conditions, often shifting between green and reddish tones.
Famous Garnets in History or Jewellery
Garnets have a storied presence in history and jewellery. Here are some notable examples of famous Garnets and their significance:
The Bohemian Garnet
Originating from the Czech Republic, the Bohemian Garnet is famous for its deep red color. It became a symbol of European nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries. Bohemian Garnet jewelry, often set in intricate gold or silver pieces, remains highly collectible today.
The Pyrope Garnet in Victorian Jewellery
During the Victorian era, Garnets were particularly fashionable. Pyrope Garnets, known for their dark red hue, were often used in statement necklaces and brooches. Queen Victoria herself popularized Garnet jewelry as part of her regal wardrobe.
The Russian Garnet Treasures
Demantoid Garnets, a rare green variety, were favored in Russia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They featured prominently in Fabergé creations, including the famous jeweled eggs, and are highly sought after by collectors.
The Ancient Egyptian Use of Garnets
Garnets were treasured in ancient Egypt as talismans and burial accessories. Pharaohs often wore Garnet necklaces as symbols of protection and power.
The Garnet Carpet of India
A unique historical artifact, the Garnet Carpet of India, was created in the 1860s. It features thousands of Garnets and other precious stones set in a floral design. The carpet was intended as a gift for the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina but remains in museum collections today.
The Smithsonian’s Garnet Display
The Smithsonian Institution houses an extraordinary Garnet specimen: the "Star Garnet," a rare form that exhibits asterism, or a star-like reflection caused by inclusions.
Garnets in the Bible
Garnets are thought to be referenced in the Bible, symbolising light and truth. They were believed to be one of the stones in Aaron’s breastplate, as described in the Old Testament.
Antique Garnet Jewellery Options
Antique Garnet jewellery offers a timeless elegance that appeals to those who appreciate vintage designs and the rich allure of this January birthstone. Renowned for its deep red hue, Garnet has been a symbol of love, passion, and protection throughout history.
Popular antique styles include Victorian and Edwardian pieces, often featuring intricate metalwork, floral motifs, and delicate filigree settings that enhance the gem’s natural beauty. From ornate rings to statement necklaces and brooches, antique Garnet jewellery makes a stunning choice for collectors or as a meaningful gift for someone born in January.
View our collection of Garnet birthstone jewellery options, including gold and silver settings, and find a piece that beautifully captures the timeless allure of this remarkable gemstone.
Learn more about birthstones with our helpful birthstone guide
Laurelle Antique Jewellery Can Help You Find Your Next piece
Whether you’re searching for a unique Garnet birthstone jewellery piece or an heirloom-quality item steeped in history, antique Garnet jewellery offers a perfect blend of sophistication and charm.
At Laurelle Antique Jewellery, we are experts on antique and vintage jewellery, please contact us if you cannot see the Garnet piece that suits your style and we will be able to source something more to your taste.
You can view our full collection of antique Garnet jewellery.
