What better way to start the new year than with a luxurious piece of garnet jewelry. January’s birthstone, famous for its rich color, has enough style to last the whole year! Read on to learn all about this glorious gemstone.

What Is The January Birthstone?

Garnet is the gloriously red gemstone that makes up January’s birthstone. Made up of a group of minerals, garnets come in a variety of colors, including the famous red (see more below). While the largest source of garnets today is Africa, the gemstone can also be found in India, Russia, and Central and South America.

The name Garnet has a multi-storied origin. The name can be traced to the Latin word for pomegranate, mirroring the rich red hue of the fruit’s delicious seeds. The name we know today derives from the 14th-century middle English word meaning dark red.

The Symbolism and Meaning of Garnet

The January birthstone is thought to symbolize perseverance, strength, loyalty, and friendship. Many believe that garnets have protective and calming qualities, and can even act as a dream catcher.

14K Yellow Gold Oval Garnet And Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring

14K Yellow Gold Garnet Birthstone Necklace

But wait, there’s more! It is also thought to bring health, wealth, and even happiness. Some even call it the energizer gemstone because it is believed to balance your energy.

What Color is the January Birthstone?

While garnets are known for their intense red color, this gemstone actually comes in a variety of shades. From warm oranges to calm blues, and even greens, this gemstone actually has an eclectic color palette. The different colors of garnets can range from intense to opaque, depending on the gemstone’s light transmission.

A Brief History of the January Birthstone

Garnet has been popular for centuries. Dating all the way back to ancient Egypt, where the pharaohs would be entombed with their valuables, including garnet jewelry. People in ancient times are also said to have believed that garnets could restore relationships. Crusaders may have believed the gemstone could help keep them safe, and even guide them to victory.

Some even believe that garnet dates back to biblical times, with the legend that Noah used a garnet lantern to illuminate his ark. Garnets also show up in Greek mythology, where the gemstone is associated with faith and light.

After garnets were discovered in larger quantities around 1500, royal houses across Europe hopped on the garnet bandwagon.

Understanding Garnet’s Sensitivity and Fragility

Garnets are considered quite durable, rating between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes garnets a great choice for everyday wear, but take care if you are on the clumsier side, you should still avoid being rough with your gemstone.

Practical Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Garnet Jewelry

Make sure to follow the tips below to keep your January birthstone jewelry shining all year long.

Fill a bowl with warm water
Add gentle dish soap
Soak in water
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris
Wipe off jewelry using a clean, wet cloth
Allow to air dry
Other options:
- Use an ultrasonic cleaner as long as your garnet has no fractures
- NEVER steam clean
Store your garnet pieces in soft fabric jewelry boxes or bags

What Are the Other January Birthstones?

In addition to garnet, rose quartz is a birthstone for January. Known for its cotton candy pink color, this secondary birthstone is thought to bring the wearer a sense of contentment and love.

Similar to garnet, usage of rose quartz dates back centuries. It is believed that in ancient Egypt and Rome, women used rose quartz for skin care purposes.

FAQs

Why is Garnet the birthstone for January?

Just as January marks the beginning of a new year, pomegranate seeds represent birth and renewal. The connection garnets have to pomegranates make it the perfect stone to represent January.

Are there two birthstones for January?

Yes, in addition to garnet, rose quartz is a birthstone for January.

Is January a ruby or garnet birthstone?

The main birthstone for January is garnet. Rubies are the birthstone for July.

Who should not wear red garnet?

While we think everyone should rock this glorious gemstone, some believe that certain zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, or Leo) should avoid wearing this birthstone.

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Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

Hey, what are you waiting for? Aquamarine jewelry, that’s what! Learn more about the meaning behind these March birthstone jewelry pieces and find the perfect aquamarine gift for a March birthday.

What Is The March Birthstone?

Aquamarine, the March birthstone, evokes the clarity and serenity of ocean waters – literally. Its name comes from the Latin “aqua marinus,” which means “water of the sea.” Aquamarine is a blue variant of the beryl family, which includes other distinctly colored gemstones like pink morganite, golden heliodor, and green emerald. Why the spectrum of hues?

Each color variation is thanks to specific trace mineral and metal content; in the case of aquamarine, iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+, to be precise) tint the otherwise colorless beryl to a clear, watery blue. This blue gemstone ranges in color across the spectrum, from pale to deep azure. What’s consistent, however, is this gemstone’s exceptional clarity.

Aquamarine Birthstone Symbolism And History

What better way to celebrate the first month of spring than with a slice of clear blue sky? Aquamarine jewelry symbolizes tranquility, serenity, and good luck. Ancient Greek sailors used to carry aquamarine aboard their ships to ensure smooth journeys at sea – and protect them against drowning. Nowadays, it’s still a symbol of protection, with many people carrying it with them for good health. They’re perfect for those days when you need to shout, “SERENITY NOW!” That’s because the March birthstone has historically been worn in order to soothe the wearer’s temper and to nurture love.

What Is The March Birthstone Color?

Aquamarine naturally occurs in hexagonal facets, which catch a spectacular amount of light. Its blue is exceptionally bright. Plus, it’s a 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it a perfect choice for strong, durable birthstone jewelry that stands up well to daily wear. So whether or not you’re a March baby, the aquamarine is a stunning blue gemstone that deserves to be a centerpiece of any jewelry collection.

Celebrity Aquamarine Jewelry

And don’t forget about the celebrity endorsements. Celebs have been rocking aquamarine jewelry since – forever! Lucille Ball flaunted a 40-carat multi-faceted aquamarine ring from Desi Arnaz. Jessica Biel’s now-husband Justin Timberlake proposed with a whopping 6-carat center diamond accented with two aquamarine side stones. And Princess Diana was an ardent fan of the March birthstone. She had a jaw-dropping collection of aquamarine jewelry, whose standouts included pear-cut aquamarine earrings, a huge emerald-cut aquamarine ring, and a pearl and aquamarine bracelet.

Lucille Bill aquamarine ring — Lucille Ball’s 40-carat aquamarine ring

Princess Diana aquamarine diamond earrings — Princess Diana’s pear-cut aquamarine earrings

Aquamarine is a beautiful accent stone, but it deserves to take center stage in its own right. At James Allen, we believe people don’t wear aquamarine enough! Its “pale blue” hue, despite its name, is anything but lackluster. It’s radiant! Aquamarine’s distinct color, combined with its characteristic light-grabbing hexagonal faces, means that this bright and vibrant jewel is perfectly suited to be worn as a center stone.

So here are just a few of our most eye-catching, aquamarine-forward pieces. Happy March!

Aquamarine Rings

Infinity Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

This simple aquamarine ring makes for an exceptionally sweet gift for your favorite March birthday. It leans into the marine theme with a rippling white gold band. Can you even look at this birthstone ring without dreaming of ocean surf crashing on a white sand beach? No, no you can’t.

East-West Aquamarine
and Diamond Ring

This ring is the definition of understated glitter. An elegant oval-cut aquamarine is set in the sideways “east-west” position, which though less common than a vertical setting, is not at all less lovely. Two tiny diamonds, nestled in the crooks of the split shank, beautifully set off the brilliance of the center aquamarine.

Yellow Gold Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

There’s a reason that the simple pleasures in life are enjoyed more often. And this simple pleasure comes in yellow gold! This is a piece that’s classic enough to match with any of your existing rings, perfect for stacking, and will handle anything your life throws at it. The double-floored basket allows light to hit this 0.25-carat round-cut aquamarine center stone from every angle: top, side, and bottom. Meaning, this delicate blue gemstone will positively glow on your finger.

Slender Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

Place this slender, goes-with-anything 0.10-carat aquamarine birthstone ring on your finger for some extra confidence before you head out the door in the morning. Its thin band makes it ideal as a stacking ring. Mix and match it up with other metals, stones, and styles for an impressive ring stack.

Aquamarine Stud Earrings

Aquamarine and
Diamond Stud Earrings

These round 0.5 carat aquamarine studs get their extra pop of sparkle from two delicate diamond pavé halos. Their rounded-back lotus mountings are extremely comfortable, allowing you to look fabulous all day without even noticing you’re wearing them.

Aquamarine Birthstone
Stud Earrings

These earrings bring out the sparkle in any eye, especially baby blues and gorgeous greens. The gentle blue of the gemstones perfectly complements cool-toned eyes. Wear aquamarine on your lobes whenever you want to bring out the marine undertones of your irises.

Aquamarine Necklaces

Oval-Cut Aquamarine
Birthstone Necklace

This necklace is all aquamarine. Simply set in white gold, this oval-cut gemstone is the star of the show. And simply put, aquamarine jewelry makes for an unforgettable March birthday gift. This pendant’s split bail ensures that its center stone lies flat around the wearer’s neck. Pretty and stable, this necklace is utterly wearable.

Aquamarine Floating
Halo Necklace

Why be shy about it? Your aquamarine is stunning and you know it. This necklace shows off this blue gemstone as it deserves to be seen – front-and-center and surrounded by a floating halo of diamonds! This is a pendant necklace that’s covered in sparkle. And it’s not afraid to flaunt it.

The March Birthstone & More

January Garnets * February Amethysts * March Aquamarines * April Diamonds * May Emeralds * June Pearls * July Rubies * August Peridots * September Sapphires * October Opal * November Citrines * December Blue Topaz.

Tag: gift ideas

January Birthstone: A Guide To Garnet