January Birthstone

Most January garnets are the classic deep red almandine, with rhodolite garnets reading slightly pink-purple and tsavorite garnets showing a vivid grass green that rivals emerald. The name comes from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate, after the resemblance to ripe pomegranate seeds. Garnet has long been linked to protection, trust and steady friendship, and is often given as a token between close friends or before long journeys.

Garnet sits at 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the variety. That is durable enough for rings, eternity bands and everyday wear with sensible care, though a bezel or protected setting is the safer choice for an engagement ring. Tsavorite and rhodolite are toward the harder end of the family and hold up well in daily wear.

Garnet beads have been found in Egyptian jewellery more than 5,000 years old. Roman signet rings often used garnet for the carved seal, and medieval travellers carried garnet for protection on the road. Bohemian garnets, mined in what is now the Czech Republic, drove a Victorian-era trend for elaborate cluster brooches that still turn up in antique collections today.

A garnet pendant in yellow gold reads warm and traditional, and a rhodolite garnet on rose gold leans more modern. Cluster rings and signet rings carry the Victorian and Roman references nicely. For an engagement-style piece, tsavorite garnet gives a vivid green at a lower price than emerald with better durability.

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners for garnets with visible inclusions, since vibration can extend a fracture. Store away from harder stones like diamond and sapphire so the polish stays bright.