For those born in January, the year begins with a choice between several strikingly different but equally beautiful birthstones.
As a custom jeweller in Delta, BC, I find that these birthstones offer some of the best opportunities for storytelling.
Whether you are looking to treat yourself to a new pendant or you are considering an inherited jewellery transformation, these gemstones provide a perfect blend of durability and personality.
The Vibrant Heritage of the Garnet Birthstone
The garnet is a gem steeped in history and significance. The name originates from the medieval Latin granatus, meaning pomegranate, in reference to the similarity of the deep red colour.
While most people immediately think of a deep red, as a custom jeweller, I often recommend specific varieties that offer exceptional brilliance and unique tones:
One of the most frequent requests I receive at Trish Arato Design Studio is to help a client breathe new life into a piece of family history.
Transforming Inherited Jewellery in Delta, BC
Many families have vintage gemstones tucked away in a drawer perhaps an old necklace, a forgotten brooch, or a heavy, dated ring that carry immense sentimental weight but simply do not match a modern lifestyle.
This is where the magic of a redesign happens.
We can take the stones from an inherited piece and reimagine them into one of my Custom Multi-Stone Rings.
Designing Your Custom Necklace, Earring, or Ring
To ensure your jewellery remains a brilliant gem for years to come, proper maintenance is key.
Yes, but with care. 5 on the Mohs scale, making them durable enough for daily wear.
Rhodolite garnet is our most popular recommendation for custom pieces due to its exceptional brilliance and stunning raspberry to purplish red tones. For clients seeking something different, tsavorite offers a vivid green alternative that rivals emerald in beauty but provides better durability for everyday wear.
Common Questions
The process begins with a design consultation at our Delta studio. We assess your existing stones, discuss your personal style, and create a custom plan for your new necklace, ring, or pendant.
Start Your January Design Journey
Clean your garnet pieces with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Store them separately from harder gemstones like diamonds to prevent scratching, and visit our studio periodically for professional prong inspections.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday or looking to modernize a sentimental family treasure, January’s stones are the perfect place to start. Are you ready to design a piece that is uniquely yours?
Why we love this gem for custom jewellery pieces:
Book a consultation with Trish today at my Delta studio, and let’s explore the possibilities of handcrafted, custom jewellery.
- Rhodolite Garnet: This is a fantastic option for those who love vibrant raspberry or purplish red tones. It adds a sophisticated warmth to any custom design.
- Tsavorite Garnet: For lovers of green, tsavorite is an extraordinary choice that rivals emerald in brilliance but offers better durability for daily wear.
- Spessartine Garnet: While we can mention this beautiful warm orange variety, please note it is less common and significantly harder to source, so we generally suggest it only for very specific custom requests
- Durability: Garnet ranks 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it sturdy enough for a daily wear ring or necklace if handled with care.
- Versatility: It pairs beautifully with the cool tones of white gold and platinum or the classic warmth of yellow gold.
- Historical Prestige: Necklaces studded with red garnets adorned the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, while signet rings in ancient Rome featured garnet intaglios used to stamp wax.
- Custom Rings: We ensure the prongs or bezel settings are positioned to protect the edges of your garnet from daily impact, allowing you to enjoy its fiery brilliance with confidence.
- Personalized Pendants: A pendant allows a larger garnet to sit safely against the chest, minimizing the risk of accidental knocks compared to a ring while showcasing the stone’s rich depth of colour.
- Earring Designs: Garnet earrings capture the light beautifully near the face, offering a warm, vibrant glow that complements a wide range of skin tones, from the classic deep reds to the raspberry hues of rhodolite.
- Lifetime Care & Maintenance: Every piece I create comes with complimentary lifetime cleaning, my commitment to keeping your jewellery as brilliant as the day you received it. Visit my Delta studio for professional inspections and regular prong checks to ensure your gemstones remain secure in their settings. Book a consultation with me today to experience the full care your custom jewellery deserves.
- Storage: Store your earring and necklace pieces separately in a soft pouch to avoid scratching the stones. Remember that garnet can be scratched by harder gems like diamonds.
Why we love this gem for custom jewellery pieces:
