Garnets are that girl. In the depths of winter, they exude an inner, fiery glow. They’re hard — harder on the Mohs scale than many of their gemstone counterparts. And while they’re a January birthstone, they’re also the gemstone for lovers celebrating a second wedding anniversary. The do-it-all garnet has serious staying power throughout history, too. Here are a few of its powerful properties and some garnet gift ideas.
garnet’s origins & symbolism
It’s fitting that, given its deep red tone, garnets symbolize love, passion and commitment. This beloved January birthstone’s moniker may come from the Latin word “granatus,” which means seedlike. That’s because the semi-precious gemstone has the same ruby-red hue as a pomegranate seed.
ancient history
Regardless of its origins, garnets have been around for, like, ever. Ancient Egyptians believed they represented life and rebirth, and the stones have been found in the tombs of pharaohs. Greeks associated them with Aphrodite, prizing garnets for both their passion and their supposed fertility-enhancing properties. Romans used them as amulets for protection, those in the Middle Ages incorporated them into religious art and healing methods, and those in the Victorian era added them to mourning jewelry.
the uses & color of garnets
Today you can buy a garnet jewelry gift — but you can find garnets in other more cutting-edge applications, too. Since their crystal structure can support high temps and pressures, garnets are used in lasers. Yes, lasers — including some for dental and ophthalmologic surgery. (So maybe there is something to the Middle Ages belief that garnets possess healing powers.)
While the de facto color associated with garnets is red, they also come in shades of green, pink and purple.
how to rock your garnet with style
There’s no wrong way to wear a garnet. Here are a few pieces we love, whether you’re treating yourself to an early birthday gift, celebrating an anniversary or surprising a loved one with garnet jewelry.
- How deep is your love? If it’s as deep as the red of a garnet and as endless as your love of yacht rock, then give your partner a pear-shaped garnet ring, which dazzles with diamonds in a 10K gold setting. Add a pair of matching earrings.
- Your January-born child wants to celebrate her birthday with an ear piercing. Wrap up a pair of stunning garnet birthstone studs featuring whimsical heart baskets along the sides.
- Celebrate yourself with the gift of a sophisticated lab created garnet necklace with a halo of single-cut diamonds on a delicate silver chain.
keep your garnet sparkling for eternity
These long-lasting gemstones aren’t quite as hard as diamonds, but they are exceptionally resilient. Polish your garnet birthstone or anniversary pieces to perfection with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush dipped in a mild soap and warm water solution. Gently buff with a soft cloth and let air dry.
Get a jump-start on shopping for a birthday, seasonal gift, promise ring or anniversary present. Shop Helzberg Diamonds’ January birthstone jewelry collection.
