We can all use a little help, encouragement, and inspiration sometimes. Whatever you believe about the healing properties of gemstones, it’s undeniable: Jewelry empowers us. That’s the motivation behind our Gemstone Feature series. By sharing the stories of some of the gemstones gracing our latest Bloom pieces, we celebrate the countless ways jewelry brings positive energy to our lives.

Garnet is the January birthstone, so it’s timely to honor this truly striking gemstone. But the supposed meaning and healing properties of Garnet also feel rather spot-on for starting a brand new year. Read on to learn why the team at Bloom Jewelry is embracing Garnet to help us kick off 2022!

Garnets have been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Like longtime Bloom favorite Lapis Lazuli, Garnet is a gemstone rooted in ancient history. The International Gem Society (IGS) reports that Garnet necklaces and talismans have been found in the tombs of Ancient Egyptian pharaohs, and the gemstone was also highly valued by Ancient Greeks and Romans. Garnet signet rings marked with family crests were pressed into hot wax to seal important documents. Renowned Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé — yes, he of the famed Fabergé eggs — reportedly used rare green Garnets in his designs for the Russian royal family. 

What is Garnet?

Garnet is in fact a group of different closely related minerals that form in metamorphic rocks. As the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains, all Garnets have basically the same crystal structure but vary in their chemical composition. The varieties that are commercially important as gems include pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, and andradite. Many Garnets mix two or more of these varieties. Highly durable and reliably beautiful, Garnet can be found all over the world. 

Most people are familiar with the more common red version of Garnet. So you may be surprised to learn that rarer versions of Garnet come in a rainbow of colors, including green, purple, orange, yellow, blue, and different shades of red and pink. Some varieties of Garnet even appear to change color, depending on the lighting.

What Is the Meaning of Garnet?

The word Garnet originally comes from the Latin word granatus, which means seed or grain and which most likely refers to red Garnet’s resemblance to pomegranate seeds. As IGS explains, it has inspired “many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light, and vitality.” Indeed, the most common meaning of Garnet is that it is a symbol of life and vitality, as well as of protection, love, and friendship. 

What Are the Healing Properties of Garnet?

The American Gem Society reports that “some ancient healers and wise men even placed garnets in wounds and praised its healing powers.” While we cannot recommend that particular practice, the supposed healing properties of Garnet are pretty on-target as we behold the dawning of yet another year. As suggested in the meaning of Garnet outlined above, Garnet is thought to:

• Protect wearers from harm. IGS details the many cultures that have long believed that Garnet has the power to shield wearers from various forms of harm: Saxon and Celtic kings and Christian and Muslim warriors wore Garnet into battle, Native American healers used it to ward off injury and poison, and British and Russian royalty were well-known for wearing Garnet on their garments.
• Promote vitality and “life force.” Garnet’s red coloration has long been associated with blood and the heart. In the delightful words of IGS, it has been thought to “counter melancholy, stir the heart to great deeds, prevent hemorrhage, and improve circulation.” As outlined in The Spruce, Garnet’s connection with the fire element (which relates to passion and inspiration) leads to its use in Feng Shui to activate certain areas in the home with “fiery energy.” Garnet’s vitality is also thought by many to extend to stirring someone’s creative energy, an idea we enjoy very much. 
• Strengthen love, friendship, and intimacy. The gemstone’s most common color — red — is also its link to the supposed Garnet healing properties of aiding success in relationships (even business relationships). Since Garnet supposedly makes you feel good about yourself, it is thought to encourage success in interacting with others. Many also see Garnet as a stone of commitment.

So supposedly Garnet makes you well-protected, energetic, passionate, inspired, and grounded in great relationships? It’s not surprising, then, that Garnet has also been seen by warriors throughout the ages as a stone that brings victory. Couldn’t we all benefit from seeing ourselves as strong, creative, vigorous, winning warriors in our own lives? Bring it on, 2022!

Garnet Jewelry to Help You Start Your New Year Right

Ready to bring this gorgeous and energetic stone into your life, or into the life of someone you care about? Check out Bloom Jewelry’s full collection of Garnet jewelry, which has a little something for everyone. We’ve also highlighted a few of our favorite pieces below. 

We admit we’re a little in love with these adorable Garnet Small Wrapped Hoops! Their smaller size makes them a great choice for everyday wear or a special celebration. Choose from Tibetan Wrapped or Square Wrapped options. 

Bloom’s Garnet Strung Long Necklace is a genuine stunner. The 34” long necklace features unique barrel cut Garnet stones patterned with mixed metal beads and a mixed metal chain featuring Vermeil accents. 

Our 2.5”-long Garnet Slice Wrapped Hoops celebrate this stone in a special way, bringing you into the stone’s very center. Our signature hand wrapped hoops feature a unique slice cut. Seeking a slightly simpler style of Garnet slice earrings? Check out our Garnet Slice Drop Earrings. 

These mixed metal Garnet & Watermelon Tourmaline Rondelle U Necklaces bring together two wonderful stones. Given Watermelon Tourmaline’s reputation as a heart stone and supposed healing properties of increasing self-confidence and inspiring positive, creative action, it could hardly pair better with our new 2022 BFF Garnet. With 1” of extender chain, the necklaces can be worn at either 16.5” to 17.5”. Lovely on its own or layered with other favorites. 

Want to learn more about the supposed meanings and healing properties of various gemstones? Explore Bloom’s blog, where we often feature the stories behind many of our favorite gemstones.