January Birthstone: Garnet

Pyrope Garnet

Garnet is the official birthstone of January as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the stone for the Zodiac sign Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 18) and the gemstone given for the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

The name Garnet evolved from "granatus", Latin for "seed-like" because the small round crystals reminded the Greeks of pomegranate seeds. Garnet is said to keep travelers safe, promote a long-lasting love, and prevent depression.

What if Garnet is your birthstone but you're not crazy about red? You're in luck! Most people think of Garnet as a brownish-red stone but Garnet is actually a diverse group of stones that includes several species that range from hues of red, orange and yellow to pink green and brown. The only color that Garnet does not occur in is blue. Most varieties are named for their color.

Here are a few varieties of Garnet:
Rhodolite is a purplish red
Hessonite is an orange or pinkish variety
Tsavorite is green
Pyrope is purplish red, orange red, crimson or dark red
Spessartite garnets range from yellow orange to red brown to black brown

Tsavorite Garnet

Garnet is one of the few gemstones that doesn't require any heating or enhancement. They range from a 7.0 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness (scale of 1-10) making them quite sturdy and resistant to everyday wear and tear. Garnets have a high refraction of light resulting in amazing brilliance.

Garnet Jewelry at Spectrum...

Andradite Garnet pendant by Spectrum with matching ring











The Golden Eye Garnet Ring

Gold Fill Tana Acton Ring with Garnet Beads:











Starsong Garnet and Amethyst wrap bracelet/necklace:












We can also make custom Garnet jewelry!

-Taylor