A pair of January birthstone earrings featuring bezel-set, trillion-cut garnets embellished with milgrain halos

January Birthstone: Garnet

With its bold crimson glow, garnet—the January birthstone—shimmers with fire and warmth. Though best known for its red color, garnet birthstones come in a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors, including fiery oranges and yellows, mysterious purple tones and even vivid green. Learn more about garnet’s January birthstone meaning, history and how to buy jewelry featuring this gem.

SHOP JANUARY BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY

A Treasured Symbol of Life

Garnet, derived from the Latin name, Granatus, is named for the stone’s aesthetic likeness to pomegranate seeds. In fact, Victorian garnet jewelry—with its distinctive design accented by settings of multiple stones—echoes the seed clusters of this fruit.

A multi-faceted January birthstone cocktail ring of cushion-cut garnet center gemstone surrounded by a halo of white topaz and accented with a rope motif in sterling silver

Garnet's Birthstone History

Records of garnets used as birthstones date back to the 15th century, but you can trace the garnet’s storied beginnings back further to Ancient Egypt. Pharaohs adorned themselves in necklaces studded with glistening garnets. Soon, other regions embraced the garnet. Ancient Romans believed that signet rings featuring garnet intaglios bestowed authority upon their wearers who used them to stamp wax on valuable documents.

January Birthstone Meaning

Known as the “Gem of Faith,” the majestic garnet gemstone is associated with prosperity, health, and peace. A symbol of love and commitment, it is the stone that celebrates a second wedding anniversary. In Indian astrology, garnet wards off depression and guilt, fostering self-confidence and clear-headedness to inspire creativity and inner tranquility. According to medieval legend, the garnet is the antidote for inflammatory diseases, also helping to appease hot tempers.

Shop Popular Garnet Jewelry

Heart-Shaped Garnet And Diamond Pendant

Multicolored Gemstone Hoop Earrings

Octagon Multi-Stone Eternity Band

Garnet Round Rope Bracelet

Garnet Solitaire Pendant

Garnet And White Sapphire Halo Oval Pendant

Multi Color Eternity Necklace

Oval Multicolor Gemstone Eternity Necklace

Gifting Inspiration for the January Birthstone

If you wish to celebrate someone special—or even yourself!—with exquisite garnet jewelry, we offer stunning options for January birthstone gifts. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination and choose a piece of jewelry that will take their breath away.

FOR YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

Set your love ablaze with a garnet engagement ring—the stone of love and faith makes an elegant alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring. A fiery garnet gemstone brings standout beauty and iconic red hues to any jewelry. Whether set in a solitaire style, on a delicate precious metal band or framed by pavé round-set diamonds, January’s garnet birthstone makes a romantic gift.

A garnet engagement ring of an oval gemstone center surrounded by diamond halo set in white gold

FOR A BIRTHDAY

A gorgeous accent to any outfit, a pendant necklace customized with the January birthstone will stunningly elevate anyone’s look and become a new favorite in their jewelry collection. In round, oval, or heart shapes, a garnet pendant necklace serves as a beautiful token of your affection.

A January birthstone pendant necklace showcasing a heart-shaped garnet gemstone surrounded by diamonds set in white gold and white gold chain

GIFTS FOR MOM

For Mother’s Day, show your mom how much you cherish her with radiant garnet earrings. In a shape reminiscent of a flower, cushion-cut, trillion, or micro pavé, garnet floral stud earrings add a lovely touch of elegance to her style.

A floral-inspired pair of birthstone earrings with garnet gemstones as the flower center surrounded by white diamond petals set with yellow gold

TO MARK A MILESTONE

Commemorate a loved one’s special achievements, birthdays or other occasions with an iconic piece of garnet jewelry. January’s birthstone also makes a wonderful gift for graduations and school accomplishments. Celebrate a graduation by gifting a garnet bracelet in a round rope or oval design in sparkling silver or a garnet signet ring.

Oval cut garnet birthstones are featured in a gemstone bracelet set in sterling silver

Keep Your Garnet Jewelry Looking Beautiful for a Lifetime

• With a hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, garnets are durable enough for everyday wear, but should be treated

• To keep your garnet jewelry gleaming for years to come, use a soft cloth to gently polish the stones to release any dust, dirt, or grime.

• To clean your garnet jewelry, use mild soap and water, and take a soft toothbrush to carefully scrub the setting.

• Thoroughly rinse your garnet jewelry and then pat dry with a clean, dry cloth.

• Periodically, check all of your jewelry for weakened strings, loose settings and stone or metal damage.

• We are happy to offer complimentary cleaning and repair services with your purchase.

Learn more about how to care for gemstone jewelry in our guide.

January Birthstone Color

Rich, dark red is the most common color for this cherished January stone. Garnets come in a variety of colors, even greenish and orange. When most people think of the January birthstone, they think of the dark red variation of garnet. This is the most popular style for January birthstone jewelry.

Garnet’s Connection to January

With symbolic connections to love, friendship and perception, the red-hued January gemstone is a perfect fit for the month’s zodiac signs. Loyal Capricorns will connect to garnet’s symbolism of friendship. Analytical Aquarians will appreciate the newer ties of garnet to perception and clear-headedness.

Finding Garnet Birthstone Jewelry

We offer a wide selection of jewelry featuring January birthstones. You can choose from standalone garnet pieces or jewels with mixed gemstones or metals. Garnet is believed to bring extra luck to its January birthday wearers, but anyone can wear this beautiful gemstone.

Garnet’s January Birthstone History

January’s gemstone has been valued for centuries. Garnet jewelry was a common choice during Victorian times but dates back even further. In Medieval times, the January stone was believed to provide protection to its wearers. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were known to wear garnet necklaces and ancient Romans would use garnet fobs to create customized wax seals.

Learn More About Gemstones

You can’t go wrong with the elegance of garnet jewelry—one of the many stunning gems that we offer. Learn about other gemstones and their jewelry options in our gemstone guide.