January Birthstone: Garnet Meaning, Color, & More

Learn all about January’s rich red birthstone.

IN THIS GUIDE

Quick

Facts

What is garnet?

Garnet, which represents the January birthstone, refers to a group of silicate minerals used as gemstones.


What color is garnet?

Garnets come in a variety of colors, but the January birthstone specifically refers to a dark red garnet. 


What does garnet mean?

Garnet represents love, friendship, and protection during traveling. 

Image of Garnet Halo Engagement Ring

Celebrate someone with a January birthday with the gift of birthstone jewelry, and you’re sure to start their year off right. January’s treasured birthstone is garnet. It traditionally refers to a deep red gem, but there’s more to garnet than most people know. Discover the history and meaning of garnet, and you might even learn something new about this gorgeous gem! 

Garnet Appearance


Garnet is most commonly known as a dark, wine-colored gemstone. At Shane Co., most of our garnet jewelry is this classic red color. January’s birthstone is the most traditional color of garnet. However, garnet actually refers to a group of closely related silicate minerals that consist of red, green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, black, and gray stones. 


Almandine and pyrope are the most common garnet gemstones. Pyrope is typically seen in jewelry, as is rhodolite, which has a purplish tone. Other main forms of garnet include spessartite, grossular, tsavorite, andradite, and uvarovite. When referring to garnet below, though, we are primarily addressing the traditional red January birthstone. 


Image of Garnet Earrings and a Garnet Bracelet
Image of Garnet Halo Engagement Ring with Three Garnet Stones

Garnet History 


Garnet artifacts have been found dating as far back as 3100 BCE with Egyptian jewelry. Garnet is also found in remnants of the Bronze Age, which lasted from about 3000 to 1100 BCE. Romans wore garnets as well, especially in the third and fourth centuries. They often used garnet signet rings to seal wax over correspondence materials. 


In ancient times, “carbuncle” was used to refer to garnets and other red stones. Carbuncle was thought to be one of the four stones given to King Solomon by God in Biblical times. In the Middle Ages, red garnets were worn by clergy and nobility members. Garnets were also used as a supposed cure for the Black Death. In later years, the red garnet was widely associated with Bohemian culture and is still the national gemstone of the Czech Republic, a region known for its Bohemian ties. 


Garnet Meaning


In Greek mythology, Hades swept Persephone, the daughter of Zeus, away to the underworld. Zeus was furious and ordered him to return her. Hades did as he was told, but first, he fed Persephone sweet pomegranate seeds so that she would return every winter for more. “Garnet” is derived from the Latin word “granatus,” meaning “seedlike.” Originally, what we now know as garnet was called “granat,” but the word evolved.

 

Due to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds, and the Greek story, garnet is said to ensure the safe return of a friend or loved one from a long journey. It is also known to symbolize love and friendship, heart, and inner fire. Some also believe that garnet prevents arguments and ensures loyalty.


Image of Garnet Heart Pendant Necklace

What Goes with Garnet?

Looking for something to pair with your garnet gift? We recommend our zodiac jewelry. Those with a birthday through January 19th will love a Capricorn charm, while those through the end of the month are considered an Aquarius. Garnet pairs nicely with any color metal, but its deep red tint looks especially gorgeous next to yellow gold. 

Image of Garnet Center stone in a Hamsa charm

What Goes with Garnet?


Looking for something to pair with your garnet gift? We recommend our zodiac jewelry. Those with a birthday through January 19th will love a Capricorn charm, while those through the end of the month are considered an Aquarius. Garnet pairs nicely with any color metal, but its deep red tint looks especially gorgeous next to yellow gold.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garnet

What is special about garnets?

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How can you tell if garnets are real?

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Can garnet be worn every day?

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Why should you wear garnet?

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Shopping Garnet Jewelry at Shane Co. 


Make a January birthday special with any of the above garnet pieces or another selection from Shane Co. We’re here to help you through the entire process, from choosing your perfect piece to taking care of it with our Free Lifetime Warranty. Our garnet is natural, ethically sourced, and hand-selected. Plus, it’s known for its vibrant color compared to other jewelers’ garnet stones. Stop by your local Shane Co. or explore our garnet jewelry online today. 

Image of Garnet Engagement ring and Garnet Stud Earrings