Garnet; The Birthstone For January.
The gemstone that symbolises protection, friendship and affection.




The gift of a piece of jewellery symbolising a loved one’s birthstone has been an essence which dates back to the bible, in western traditions. Other beliefs based on gemstones are associated with astrology and celestial bodies. The offering of a birthstone is a sign of great protection and other symbolic meanings. 

This gemstone is a true representation of love, eternity and passion. For this reason it is a perfect gemstone which is presented as a 2nd wedding anniversary gift. 


With the cold winter days and Christmas Blues there is not a more perfect birthstone for January, the Garnet. Garnet is a rich and warm gemstone available in a vast variety of colours and hues. Having one of the largest gemstone families’ garnets have almost every colour to offer to every person born in January.  From electric vivid greens of the Uvariote garnet to Indian sunset pink Hydrogrossular garnets to mandarin orange spessartine garnets. Nonetheless the most beloved and popular colour would belong to the Pyrope and Almandine garnet series.  This family bursts with striking reds, deep mauves, purple undertones and brown tints.  It has been said that the Latin name for Garnet, Granatum originated for this variety of garnet, as it simply represents the shape and colour of a pomegranate seed. 




The beauty of a  Garnet is that it  compliments any precious metal it is partnered with. Here at Johnsons we particularly like the combination of traditional red Garnet with yellow or pink gold.  The rosy tones from these metals can most definitely intensify the richness of a Pyrope or Almandine Garnet.

The Science Behind the Beauty

As a gemstone you can rely on a Garnet to be a suitable companion to be set into jewellery without causing any future distress. It is one of many gemstones which is formed by the metamorphic process, being part of the Isometric crystal system. It has a respectable hardness of 7 to 7.5 (Moh scale of hardness). For this reason, Garnets are perfect for rings, pendants and earrings! Most garnets around the world are unsurprisingly sourced from Africa, a hub for coloured gemstones, however it is not uncommon to find garnets from Russia (Demantoid) and South America. Over the decades the trend of jewellery may change, however the gift of a Garnet Birthstone is truly a segment of worldwide history. The garnet symbolizes the power to protect, friendship and of course affection.



If you have any further questions regarding Garnets, or if you would like to make an appointment, please call us on 02476 347 038 or email us on [email protected].