January Birthstone: Garnet

The birthstone for January is the garnet, instantly recognizable by its rich red color. Garnet comes in a range of shades, but according to gemologists it is the deep red that belongs to this month. Garnet is a wonderful stone for pendants, earrings, rings and bracelet charms.

Garnet, a Lucky Stone

January's birthstone, the garnet, is known for its blood-red color.

The stone is found in volcanic rock, and its presence alongside certain minerals can point to rock formations that contain diamonds.

The January birthstone has been treasured since antiquity. In ancient Egypt it was set into the necklaces and rings of the pharaohs to protect the people against demons and poisoning. In Greek mythology, garnet is linked to Persephone, the daughter of Zeus. Hades abducted her and, in the underworld, gave her nothing but pomegranate seeds.

Meaning of the January Birthstone

This stone gives strength, energy, determination, perseverance, self-confidence, willpower and vitality. Garnet is a durable and versatile stone. It is an excellent choice in times of crisis, or whenever life feels hopeless, because garnet encourages hope, courage, optimism, the will to survive and joy in living.

It is also called the "stone of faith," because it is believed to bring good luck to the person who wears it.

History of the January Birthstone

This gemstone was discovered in 1882 in North Carolina by George Frederick Kunz.

The name comes from the Latin word "granatum." The German philosopher Albertus Magnus named the gemstone garnet, noting that the rough crystals resemble the seeds of a pomegranate, whose Latin name is "malus granatus." Garnet is indeed a solid, grainy crystal.

In Buddhism, garnet is said to have healing powers that bring joy, courage and determination, stimulate creative thinking and release negative energy. Before using a garnet, rinse it in lukewarm water and place it in the sun for a moment so the stone is fully recharged. If a garnet loses its shine, it is said to bring bad luck. Knights often relied on this to return safe and sound from long journeys.

Garnet is found mainly in the United States, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Myanmar. In the past, slices of garnet were used for the windows of churches and temples, and legend has it that Noah hung garnets in the ark to scatter light.

Capricorn: Lucky Stones

Besides being the January birthstone, garnet is also linked to the zodiac signs Capricorn and Aquarius. If you like, you can use it for zodiac-inspired jewelry too.

Capricorn December 22 – January 20: topaz and garnet

Aquarius January 20 – February 19: garnet and amethyst

So Capricorn can choose between the January birthstone, garnet, and the December birthstone, blue topaz.

Aquarius can go for the January birthstone or opt for the gemstone amethyst instead.

The January Birthstone at Mama Jewels

Besides jewelry with the January birthstone, our store offers a wide collection of birthstone jewelry. Browse our extensive birthstone collection in the online store, or come and try it on in our studio in Vlissingen, the Netherlands.

Would you like to create a one-of-a-kind piece with the January birthstone? That is possible in our studio. One of our experienced goldsmiths will help you explore the possibilities of setting a garnet in a beautiful ring, pendant or bracelet.

Order the January Birthstone Online

Gemstone jewelry is often one of a kind and not available in a range of standard sizes. If you want to order a birthstone ring online, we will make it to size in the Mama Jewels studio. To find the right ring size, you can use our guide. We can also send you a free ring sizer. You can order it here.