Health, wealth and happiness – could we ask for more? January babies hit the jackpot with their birthstone, garnet, as this richly coloured gem is said to bring all three to those who wear it.

Garnet is most commonly thought of as a red gemstone, and it is indeed most prevalent in this shade. There are other colours too, however. Tsavorite garnets are a vibrant hue of green while mandarin garnets offer a juicy orange. Other rarer shades include blues and purplish-reds.

Garnet, which as well as being the birthstone for January is also a traditional gift for second wedding anniversaries, has a long history as a sought-after gem. Egyptians were known to favour it, and a garnet necklace was discovered within a 5,000-year-old Egyptian grave.

As well as offering a rich colour play, garnet jewellery also has what gemmologists like to refer to as ‘fire’. This refers to a brilliance deep within the stone that radiates out and catches the light – think of it as the coloured gemstone equivalent to a diamond’s across-the-room sparkle. Green demantoid garnets also have another fascinating quirk locked within the stone – horsetail inclusions. These firework-like patterns within the stone will actually add to its value.

For January birthday gift ideas, or for a personal jewellery talisman to treasure, here is our edit of garnet jewellery to invest in now.

Ten garnet jewels for January birthdays…

1

Chaumet 18ct gold, enamel, mandarin garnet, yellow and pink sapphire, red spinel, Paraiba tourmaline, tsavorite garnet, emerald, green tourmaline, lapis lazuli, onyx and carnelian Éclosion de Chaumet brooch, price on application
Chaumet

2

Marei 18ct gold and garnet Isadora ear cuff, $6,500
Marei

3

Origin 31 9ct gold The Wedge ring set with fire opal, amethyst, pink sapphire, tsavorite garnet, aquamarine and citrine, £1,600
The Jewellery Cut Shop

4

Dima 18ct gold and garnet Drop necklace, $1,000
Dima

5

Misahara 14ct gold and garnet Mini stud earring, $100
Misahara

6

Baroque Rocks vintage 9ct gold, aquamarine and pink garnet Astounding ring, £595
The Jewellery Cut Shop

7

Percossi Papi gold-plated silver Sun & Moon earrings with garnets, seed pearls, rose zircon and cloisonné enamel, £520
Bij Fior

8

Eva Gems & Jewels 18ct black gold, tsavorite garnet and blue-green sapphire The Green Light ring, £3,462
Eva Gems & Jewels

9

Robinson Pelham 9ct gold, glass and tsavorite garnet Elixir of Strength necklace, £1,375
Robinson Pelham

10

Sig Ward 14ct yellow gold Gypsy ring with 1.06ct spessartine garnet, $2,312
Sig Ward

All prices were correct on the date of publishing, but may be subject to change