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Birthstones
January birthstone: Garnet
The birthstone for January is garnet. The full list is garnet (also rose quartz in some modern lists). Garnet's name comes from the Latin for pomegranate. Its deep red suits a winter birthday, and garnets of many colours exist, including green tsavorite.
January birthstones at a glance
- Garnet
- Rose quartz: traditionally linked with love, kindness and self-care, the 'love stone'
- Red jasper: traditionally linked with endurance and grounding, a 'nurturing' stone
Where birthstone lists come from
The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.
January star signs
January birthdays fall under Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) and Aquarius (20 January – 18 February), so a sign stone is another gift option.
Gift ideas at every price
- Under £10: a tumbled red jasper or garnet in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.
Care
Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.
January birthstone gifts in stock
Questions answered
What is the January birthstone?
Garnet (also rose quartz in some modern lists).
What colour is the January birthstone?
Garnet's name comes from the Latin for pomegranate.
Is there a cheaper alternative to garnet?
Yes: rose quartz and red jasper give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.
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