9 Pieces Of Garnet Jewelry We Love For January Birthdays
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According to the Gemological Institute of America—the same nonprofit that helped determine the four Cs for diamonds—red garnets are believed to bring about health, wealth, and happiness. (We’ll take a bit of each, please!)
From the Middle Ages to Vogue’s pages today, garnet jewelry has stood the test of time. And now, whether you’re celebrating a loved one’s birthday with birthstone jewelry or an anniversary, you can find sustainable garnet pieces that will continue to stay in style for years to come. Here are nine brands we love to consider. 💎🔴
If nothing here catches your eye, check out other ethical and sustainable jewelry options here!
1. Starling
Best For | Initial birthstone jewelry
Ethics | Responsibly made in CA, fair living wages, certified recycled precious metals & ethically sourced stones
Price Range | $175–$1,445
For the most thoughtful gift of all, check out Starling’s garnet collection, including a full line of initial jewelry necklaces. (You can even layer two or three initials together—one for every part of your name or every member of the family.) Starling is committed to sustainability, from ethically producing pieces in Los Angeles to using certified recycled gold. Made with love and made to last, these garnet pieces are gorgeous through and through.
2. Penh Lenh
Best For | Garnet hoops
Ethics | BIPOC woman-owned, social enterprise model, responsibly made in Cambodia, recyclable precious metals & regionally sourced stones, living wages
Price | $99
Penh Lenh, which translates to “whole” in Cambodian, is a woman-owned brand based in Phnom Penh. All jewelry is handmade locally by women artisans (who are also paid fair wages), and profits are reinvested into their economic empowerment, education, and gainful employment. Our favorite gemstone pieces here are the Winona Gemstone Hoops, effortlessly adding flair to any outfit or occasion. They’re also the perfect size—enough to make a statement but not too heavy.
3. Apse
Best For | Garnet rings
Ethics | Recycled precious metals & ethically sourced stones, made-to-order in WA, zero-waste production, eco-friendly packaging (cotton, paper, or leatherette)
Price Range | $140–$680
For a sleek yet elegant garnet ring, consider Apse’s made-to-order designs. Crafted with a bezel set stone and dome accents, it’s a style different from any other—and it can be made with sterling silver, gold vermeil, or solid yellow or white gold. (Plus, it’s available in sizes 4-14.) Not only are products made-to-order so there’s minimal waste, but Apse will even take your old pieces back to create new ones. Consider it a gift that will keep on giving.
4. Aurate
Best For | Birthstone studs
Ethics | Recycled precious metals, gives back to three charities, responsibly made & sourced worldwide
Price Range | $130–$260
For a gift you can wear every day, we love Aurate’s birthstone stud earrings. Every semi-precious stone—including garnet—is encased in solid gold casting and you can choose from yellow, rose, or white recycled gold. (You can also buy a single earring for half the price of the set.) The earrings are handmade using responsibly sourced materials; in fact, Aurate is so confident you’ll love its pieces that the brand offers a lifetime warranty. We do love to see it.
5. Mejuri
Best For | Minimalist garnet pieces
Ethics | Recycled precious metals & responsibly sourced stones, responsibly made around the world, gives back via women’s empowerment fund
Price Range | $75–$550
It’s no secret that we love Mejuri’s fine jewelry, and its minimalist pieces are some of our favorites. From garnet ear jacket studs to floating necklaces, everything is equal parts dainty and delicate. Unlike most jewelry that’s made with gold vermeil, Mejuri uses 14k solid gold for its garnet collection—so they’ll easily withstand the test of time. We highly recommend grabbing a garnet set if you can—wear it in your birth month and in the fall/winter months when deep reds and purples are most in style.
6. Brilliant Earth
Best For | Garnet engagement jewelry & loose stones
Ethics | Recycled precious metals, conflict-free stones, certified CarbonFree, eco-friendly wood packaging
Price Range | $75–$2,490+
Prefer to design jewelry of your own and just need the gemstone? Brilliant Earth has your back (they even work from premade pieces as well!). The brand carries a handful of stunning loose garnets ranging from deep red cushion stones to peach round stones. Or, if you’re preparing to pop the question, there are also garnet engagement rings (which come with free shipping, 30-day returns, and a lifetime warranty). Create, curate, or choose an heirloom piece here that will bring a smile to your recipient’s face every time they see it.
7. Linjer
Best For | Affordable birthstone necklaces
Ethics | Recycled precious metals & ethically sourced gemstones, responsibly made in Europe, carbon-neutral shipping, recycled packaging
Price | $89
For an affordable and aesthetically pleasing piece of jewelry, Linjer’s Birthstone Necklace is a wonderful choice. The garnet acts as a bezel set pendant along an adjustable gold chain, and we love the dotted details around the stone. Linjer prioritizes sustainable materials including recycled gold and silver, gold vermeil, and ethically sourced gemstones from around the globe. All the quality, thoughtfulness, and durability—without the markups.
8. NICCOLETTI
Best For | Garnet bracelets & bangles
Ethics | Responsibly made in USA, carbon-neutral shipping
Price Range | $58–$162
Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, NICCOLETTI founder Nichole first pursued jewelry design while recovering from two brain surgeries. Now, this burgeoning Etsy shop has sold more than 10,000 orders in the last decade—including gorgeous garnet bangles and bracelets. They’re unlike pieces we’ve seen elsewhere, finished with hammered gold or raw garnet edges. You can even request custom engraving and complimentary gift packaging—and every order touts carbon-neutral shipping.
9. Lang Antiques
Best For | Antique & vintage garnet rings
Ethics | Secondhand & upcycled stones, gives back to various charities
Price Range | $1,250–$5,950
Lang Antiques is one of our go-to shops for antique and vintage jewelry, and the gemstone rings here are as unique as you (or your recipient) are. Ranging from art deco-inspired styles from the 1920s to Victorian-era rings from the 1850s, these rings have been kept in pristine condition. While these rings are investment pieces, Lang Antiques offers monthly financing plans, complimentary restorations within the first six months after purchase, and accredited lab reports so you can purchase insurance.
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Featured image by Starling