06/01/2026
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is most often associated with its iconic deep wine-red shade, yet it is far more diverse than many realize. This remarkable gem family encompasses vibrant greens, warm oranges, sumptuous purples, and even rare color-change varieties.
Revered for millennia as a symbol of strength and vitality, garnet has adorned civilizations throughout history. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore red garnet necklaces, Roman officials used garnet intaglios to seal important documents, and during the Victorian era, garnet jewelry was highly prized—prompting large-scale imports from Bohemia, now the Czech Republic.
In more recent times, discoveries of demantoid, spessartine, and tsavorite have expanded garnet’s allure, securing its place as a timeless favorite among jewelry designers and collectors alike.
Which garnet hue speaks to you most?
