19 January 2017

/ January's Birthstone: Garnet /

This month, we're celebrating January's birthstone, the glorious garnet!

The garnet's name is derived from the Latin granatus, meaning grain or seed. It further stems from the Latin word for pomegranate, because the crystals resemble the fruit’s red color and seed-like form. Contrary to this association, garnets come in a whole range of colours, from orange and yellows to green, blue and purple.

Garnet has been used throughout civilizations to symbolise a quick return and separated love, since in Ancient Greece, Hades gave a pomegranate to Persephone before she left him to ensure her speedy return. Because of this ancient folklore, garnet is the perfect stone to give to a beloved before embarking on a trip, as it is believed to heal the broken bonds of lovers.

Explore some of our top garnet picks from the gallery's collection.

Melanie Katsalidis Trilliant cut garnet ring

Hamish Munro's 'Warm Froth Ring'

Melanie Katsalidis's 'Tourmaline and Tsavorite Garnet Elevate' ring

Nina Oikawa's 'Flower Bunny' ring with hessonite garnet

Luke Maninov Hammond's 'Surfacing' ring set with a round garnet

David Parker's 'Potted Colour' studs set with rhodolite garnets