January Birthstone Garnet

Ah, January! Not only is January the beginning of the year, but also it’s the month that signifies a new beginning for everyone. Garnet, the January birthstone signifies eternal friendship and trust. Garnet is derived from the Latin word granatum which directly translates as seed—perfect term for the Garnet that resembles a Pomegranate seed.

Garnet is mined in an array of colors, though, ranging from the stone’s traditional deep red pyrope garnet types to the vibrant green of the tsavorites or uvarovite. Garnet is a widely mined stone allowing it to be readily available and appropriately inexpensive. It’s incredibly transparent, durable, and available in a spectrum of favorable colors.

According to galleries.com, “The most common crystal shape for garnets is the rhombic dodecahedron, a twelve sided crystal with diamond-shaped (rhombic) faces. This basic shape is the trademark of garnets, for no other crystal shape is so closely associated with a single mineral group like the rhombic dodecahedron is with garnets.”

Garnet has strong symbolism association, as well. According to jewelsforme.com, “Garnet’s virtues have been long believed to include passion, true friendship, fidelity, success, self-esteem, loyalty, devotion, energy, faith, consistency, and truth. The stone also sharpens your perception of yourself and other people.”

Raymond Lee Jewelers has a wide array of garnet jewelry available to please everyone on your January birthday shopping list. Take a look at some of my favorite garnet jewelry pieces.

This 14k Yellow Gold and Garnet Ring is a total crowd pleaser!

If you're looking for something classically feminine, try your hand at this 14k Yellow Gold, Garnet and Pearl Necklace!

This Tiffany & Co. Colored Gemstone Cluster Pendant encompasses Garnet as well as Blue Topaz, Peridot and Citrine for a gorgeous, fun look!