Garnet jewelry
Handcrafted garnet necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, made to order in our Colorado studio. Set in sterling silver, 14K gold-fill, and solid 14K gold.
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About garnet
Garnet is a a group of silicate minerals including almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, and andradite rated 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, Garnet scores 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale depending on the variety. For context, quartz sits at 7, sapphire at 9, and diamond at 10. At 6.5 to 7.5, garnet is durable enough for everyday wear in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Ring settings benefit from a bezel or protective mount, and the stone should be removed for manual work or contact with harsh chemicals.. Its color ranges from deep red, ranging from wine-red almandine to rosy rhodolite, with rare orange spessartine and green tsavorite varieties, with the most prized stones showing even saturation and high clarity.
Garnet has been worn for thousands of years, with beads found in graves dating back to 3000 BCE. The name comes from the Latin granatus, meaning seed, a reference to the way deep red garnets resemble pomegranate seeds. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used garnet for signet rings, jewelry, and protective talismans. Today, garnet is mined in many regions including Mozambique, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Historically, garnet has been associated with passion, protection, devotion, and grounding. In crystal healing and metaphysical traditions, garnet is associated with the Root Chakra. It is linked to vitality, courage, and emotional resilience. Practitioners often use it as a stone for commitment and follow-through, themes that align with January's quality of fresh starts and steady resolve.
Garnet vs ruby
Same color family, different stones. Here's how to choose.
Garnet
Garnet and ruby are entirely different mineral families. Ruby is a variety of corundum and rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale; garnet is a silicate group and rates 6.5 to 7.5. Ruby's red comes from chromium; garnet's color depends on the variety, with almandine and pyrope ranging from deep wine to rosy red.
Ruby
Ruby tends toward a vivid, slightly bluish red with significantly higher price points; garnet reads warmer, with more burgundy undertones, at a fraction of the cost. If you are deciding between the two for a red gemstone, garnet offers similar depth of color with much more accessible pricing.
Born in January?
Garnet is the modern birthstone for January January birthstone. For people who follow birthstone jewelry traditions, garnet makes a meaningful gift for anyone born in January. Its deep red tones read like a sophisticated color-as-neutral, working with everything from denim to silk, and the symbolism of devotion and grounding gives the piece weight beyond its color.
See all January birthstones on the January birthstone jewelry hub.
Shop January birthstone jewelryShop more
Made to order in Colorado
Every garnet piece is handcrafted to order in our Steamboat Springs studio, shipped in about 10 business days, and arrives in eco-friendly gift packaging.
Garnet Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions
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Is garnet the birthstone for January?
Yes. Garnet has been the official January birthstone since the original standardized list was published in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. It is associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn (December 22 through January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 through February 18). At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, garnet charms start at $20 and jewelry starts at $95, all handcrafted in Colorado.
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Can you wear garnet jewelry every day?
Yes. Garnet scores between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale depending on the variety, making it durable enough for daily wear. Avoid steam cleaning, harsh chemicals, and sharp impacts. Clean with warm soapy water, a soft brush, and dry thoroughly. Bezel settings offer extra protection for rings and bracelets.
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Is garnet natural or treated?
Garnet is one of the few gemstones that are almost always completely natural. Unlike many gemstones that are routinely heat-treated or enhanced, garnets are rarely subjected to any treatment. The color, clarity, and beauty you see in a garnet is almost certainly how it came out of the earth.
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What is the difference between garnet and ruby?
Garnet and ruby are both red gemstones, but they are different minerals with different properties. Ruby is a variety of corundum (Mohs 9) and is one of the hardest gemstones. Garnet is a silicate mineral group (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) and is softer. Ruby is significantly more expensive. Both are beautiful red stones, but garnet offers rich, deep color at a much more accessible price point.
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Can garnet go in water?
Yes, garnet is safe for brief water contact. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. However, avoid prolonged soaking, salt water, chlorinated pools, and steam cleaning. Remove garnet jewelry before swimming or showering to prevent soap buildup and protect the metal setting over time.
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What does garnet symbolize?
Garnet symbolizes passion, protection, strength, and vitality. It has been called both the Warrior's Stone and the Stone of Health throughout history. In crystal healing traditions, red garnet is connected to the Root Chakra (1st Chakra) and is used to promote grounding, courage, and emotional balance. Garnet is also the traditional gemstone gift for the 2nd wedding anniversary.