If you’re looking for some stunning January birthstone jewellery but aren’t necessarily a fan of red gemstones, not to worry. While the sparkling gemstone does take its name from the Latin word ‘granatum’, which means ‘seed’, and refers to the red version of the gemstone’s resemblance to the scarlet-coloured seeds of the pomegranate, garnets can actually contain a variety of different chemicals and so can be found in a rainbow of shades including violet, blue, green, orange and even colour-changing species.
During the 19th century, rare green demantoid garnets were discovered in in the Russian Urals and became highly desirable amongst jewellers including Peter Carl Fabergé. Pink and purplish rhodolite garnets were discovered in the United States in the late 1890s. Later, in the mid-20th century, another green garnet, the tsavorite, was discovered in the Tsavo National Park in northern Tanzania, for which it is named. And mandarin-hued spessartite garnets were unearthed in Namibia as recently as the 1990s. Their vivid colour and intensely refractive properties ensured they rapidly became one of the most brilliant and valuable gems in a jeweller’s repertoire.
Garnets make the perfect gift for anyone born during the first month of the year. Indeed, in European folklore, this birthstone has been regarded as a symbol of friendship, vitality, and trust. Whilst in Indian astrology, the gem is said to boost positivity and confidence, and encourage creative thinking. Colour, light, creativity, and friendship – what could be better during the dark days of winter?
Here, we’ve selected 20 of the loveliest garnet jewels available to buy right now.
Pomellato
Chaumet
Asprey
Nicole Rose
Harry Winston
Alessandra Camilla Milano
Hirsh London
Anabela Chan
Giorgio Armani
Tasaki
Buddha Mama
Retrouvai
Mason and Books
Cartier
Tomfoolery London
Annoushka
Alice Van Cal
Ashley Zhang
CICADA
Philippa Herbert
Like this? Discover the best December birthstone jewellery.
