January holds a special place in our hearts here at The Bead Gallery — it's Jason's birthday month! And that means we get to celebrate one of the most underrated gemstones in the mineral kingdom: Garnet.
When most people think of garnet, they picture a deep, wine-red stone. But here's a little secret that gem lovers know: garnet comes in almost every color of the rainbow. Let us introduce you to the garnet family!
The Garnet Family Tree
Garnet isn't actually a single mineral — it's a group of closely related minerals. Each variety has its own personality, color, and energy. Here are the ones we love most:
Almandine — The Classic Red
The garnet most people recognize. Deep burgundy to purplish-red, Almandine is the stone of strength and endurance, adored by Victorian jewelers.
Shop Red GarnetPyrope — The Fiery One
From the Greek word for "fire." Pyrope ranges from deep red to black-red with an inner ember-like glow. It is the garnet of passion and vitality.
Find Pyrope EnergyStar Garnet — The Rare Phenomenon
Rare and magical. When cut as cabochons, these display a star-shaped light pattern (asterism). Found mainly in Idaho and India, these are true collector's pieces.
Shop Star GarnetRhodolite — The Raspberry Beauty
A stunning blend of almandine and pyrope. Its raspberry-pink to purplish-red color carries the energy of emotional healing and self-love.
Shop RhodoliteHessonite — The Cinnamon Stone
Honey-gold to deep cinnamon-orange. Known for its "whisky" effect interior. Believed in Vedic astrology to bring clarity to an overactive mind.
Shop HessoniteSpessartite — The Mandarin Orange
Like drops of Hawaiian sunset. Ranging from yellow-orange to vivid mandarin, these stones embody creativity, confidence, and action.
Shop SpessartiteTsavorite — The Green Fire
The rock star of garnets. This brilliant green variety rivals emerald in color but beats it in brilliance. It embodies prosperity and heart-centered living.
Shop TsavoriteGrossular & Green Garnet
From colorless to soft yellow-greens. A stone of abundance and gratitude. We carry various green varieties including rounds and carved beads.
Shop Green GarnetWhy We Love Garnet
For Jewelry Makers
Beyond beauty, garnets are wonderfully practical for beaders:
- Durability: 6.5-7.5 Mohs hardness (Great for everyday wear)
- Variety: A color for every taste and occasion
- Affordability: Accessible luxury for any budget
- Natural: Mostly untreated — just as nature made them
Meanings & Metaphysical Properties
Across all varieties, garnets share these powerful themes:
- Energizing: Revitalizes and balances energy
- Protective: Historically worn by travelers for safety
- Passionate: Associated with devotion and commitment
- Grounding: Connects spiritual energy with the physical
Shop The Collection
Here is a quick guide to what we currently have in stock at The Bead Gallery:
| Variety | What We Carry | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Red Garnet | Rounds, faceted rondelles, briolettes, chips, strands, chains, star garnet | $2.50 - $320 |
| Rhodolite | Tumbled nuggets, faceted rounds, knotted necklace, heart pendant | $3 - $625 |
| Hessonite | 6mm-10mm rounds, nuggets, heart briolettes, faceted cubes, strands | $3 - $120 |
| Spessartite | Tumbled nuggets, pocket stones, mandarin garnet strands | $2.50 - $275 |
| Tsavorite | Faceted rondelles, strands (rare!) | $5 - $250 |
| Grossular | Faceted rondelle strands, tumbled nuggets | $25 - $29 |
| Green Garnet | 6mm-14mm rounds, briolettes, onion cuts, strands | $2 - $85 |
January Babies, This One's For You!
If you're a January baby like Jason, consider yourself lucky to claim this versatile gemstone as your birthstone. Whether you're drawn to the classic deep reds, the sunny oranges, or the rare greens, there's a garnet out there that speaks to your soul.
Happy Birthday to all our January friends — especially you, Jason!