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Gorgeous Garnets: The January Birthstone

Time to be well-red! Find the perfect jewelry gift with garnet, the January birthstone.

Start off the new year by shining in garnet’s fierce red. Garnets get their name thanks to their resemblance to pomegranate seeds. In face, the name derives from the Latin granatum, meaning seed. While garnet comes in multiple hues, red is the most popular color, and perfect for someone born in January…or anytime!

What Is The January Birthstone?

January’s birthstone is garnet, which can be found in mines and streams, where the water has worn away the rock and exposed the gem. They naturally occur in green, yellow, and even colorless, but the vibrant and deep red option is its most popular color.

While the garnet we are most familiar with is the gemstone found in fine jewelry, it can also be mined for its industrial abrasive version, which is used to polish glass and metal.

At James Allen, our collection of garnet fine jewelry is strictly for looking fabulous. In this case, garnets are for fashion…not function.

Garnet Birthstone Facts

The sparkle from garnets is so extraordinary it is often described by gemologists as fire. The best sparkle can be seen in soft, romantic lighting, such as candles.

The hardness of garnets is not as impressive as their sparkle and they should be handled with care. However, rating between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, out of a maximum of 10, garnets are still quite strong.

Garnet Birthstone Symbolism

Garnets are thought to bring blessings, love, wellness, friendship, and devotion to those lucky enough to be born in January. It certainly worked for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Prior to marrying her now-husband, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Kate was gifted a gorgeous ring with her garnet birthstone, as well as pearls, her now-husband’s birthstone. The ring was a sign of the Prince’s commitment to his now-wife.

Garnets are always a great choice because, as the epitome of affordable luxury, they make for a great birthday gift….or anniversary, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just a day ending in a day!

Kate Middleton isn’t the only celebrity sporting garnet, some other famous faces such as Kristen Bell and Sofía Vergara have rocked this gorgeous gem. Check out James Allen’s collection of luxurious garnet earrings and receive all the good energy garnet has to offer.

Garnet Birthstone History

Once believed to offer protection from poison and even nightmares, garnets have a long and storied history.

Garnets have been found in the tombs of pharaohs in Egypt and in ancient Persia, where only kings were allowed to own or wear the gem.

In ancient Rome, garnets were typically worn by noble patriarchs, in the form of carved signet rings. They also believed the gem provided protection to travelers and that sparkles were a sign of impending danger.

Children in ancient Greece thought they were protected from drowning by the gem and in ancient China, it was believed that the gems were the incarnation of a tiger’s soul. The Navajo use the gem to bring luck and protection. Navajos also believe, similar to ancient Romans, that garnets bring protection to travelers.

Numerous famous historical figures are thought to have been adorned by this famous gem, including Plato and the King of Saxony, who is said to have had a garnet of over 465 carats!

How to Wear Your Garnet

The deep red brilliance of garnets makes it a beautiful choice to wear as earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. They can glamorize an easy-going day look, accessorize a night on the town, or compliment a black-tie outfit.

The hues of garnet are complementary to all skin tones, allowing everyone to achieve that royal look.

Garnets look exceptionally spectacular when paired with black or white outfits, however, they also go great with more neutral tones like deep greens and browns.

January Birthstone Gifts: Garnet Rings

Garnets are the perfect January birthstone. As the gem of love, they are an ideal romantic prelude to Valentine’s Day. Garnets are often given as signs of intimacy and romance, and their rich color makes them a meaningful and gorgeous gift to receive.

January Birthstone Gifts: Garnet Earrings

Garnets are said to have healing properties, in addition to their protective ones. Many people believe that the gems bring peace, passion, and can help cleanse and balance energy. These are just some of the many reasons that garnets have retained their popularity, from ancient times to today.

January Birthstone Gifts: Garnet Necklaces

Garnets affordable luxury and fiery red color make garnet necklaces a popular gift choice for any occasion.

14K Rose Gold Garnet And Diamond Floating Halo Necklace (6.0x4.0mm)
14K Yellow Gold Garnet Birthstone Necklace

Dress up any outfit, add a pop of color to your outfit, or become known as “the gift whisperer,” a garnet necklace will get you where you need to go and is a must-have for any accessory collection.

Rock That Red

Garnets, which can symbolize both love and friendship, makes a considerable and personal gift to a romantic partner, good friend, family member, or yourself!

So find that perfect piece (or let’s be real, pieces!) of gorgeous red garnet and release that royal shine.

Check out our other birthstone guides

December Blue TopazNovember CitrinesSeptember SapphiresFebruary AmethystsMarch AquamarinesApril DiamondsMay EmeraldsJuly Rubies.

Check out celebrity engagement rings and looks:

Sofia VergaraHailey Bieber * 2020 Oscars * Royal Engagements * Pippa Middleton * Miranda Kerr * Gwen Stefani, Demi Lovato, & More!

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first order!

Sarah Axelrad

Sarah is a stickler for grammar and prefers to use the Oxford comma. She enjoys her career as a writer since being a professional snowboarder/powerlifter/pastry chef didn’t pan out.

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Minimalist Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide

Discover the jewelry minimalists are going crazy for to wear alone, stacked, or layered with other fine jewelry pieces that will remain trendy now and for years to come.

Minimalist Jewelry

Whether you like plain and simple jewelry designs or you’re wanting to add a more minimalist edge to your style, we’re here to help you on your minimalist style journey.

Minimalist jewelry is and always will be a fashionable option for just about any event or occasion. We’ve looked at common mistakes made when trying to pull off this look and how we can make it easier for you to rock minimalist jewelry and still look effortlessly stunning. 

Here are our top tips to look out for when purchasing, pairing, and wearing minimalist jewelry like a pro.

What Is Minimalist Jewelry?

Essentially, minimalist jewelry is accessories with simple and unfussy designs that work subtly into your look. Simple fashion is the name of the game for people looking to buy and wear minimalist jewelry, but that’s not to say your overall aesthetic won’t make a statement. 

Often subtle jewelry can tie a great outfit together and give it the touch of sparkle it’s missing. Or it can add a hint of your personality to whatever you wear night or day! 

Can I Wear Multiple Pieces of Minimalist Jewelry?

Minimalist jewelry doesn’t necessarily mean you only need one piece of jewelry. Definitely play around with different pieces that you can stack, layer, or wear on different parts of your body. 

Whether you like layering or stacking your jewelry, you can style your go-to minimalist designs in a way that doesn’t give off a cluttered look. 

However, don’t feel as though you need to wear multiple pieces of minimalist jewelry. A simple necklace, bracelet, and ring design can look incredible without the need to add more.

Does The Minimalist Jewelry Need To Be The Same Metal?

Playing around with different metal colors is your prerogative, and no one should say otherwise. 

You can mix and match your minimalist jewelry to your heart’s content, but do keep in mind that when you pair the pieces of the same metal color, it really does make a statement. What you want to avoid is over cluttering your look with too many different colors. So we suggest you stick with two metal colors max. 

Most people with warmer skin tones can pull off a darker metal combination of yellow and rose gold. Whereas those with cooler skin tones look great in white metals like silver, white gold, and platinum. The key is to play around and see which metals look best on you. This can also vary for your day or night looks. 

Related Post: How To Choose The Right Jewelry For Your Skin Tone

Minimalist Jewelry: The Classics

When it comes to minimalist jewelry, invest in the essentials. Add a few classic pieces to your jewelry box for a chic minimalist style that works every time. Timeless jewelry pieces will always pass the latest trends. Whether it’s a pair of gold hoops or a cuff bracelet, you can wear these items to give your everyday look a contemporary spin. 

Classic or vintage jewelry can be bought for absolutely any occasion and will stand the test of time. They also make for the best gifts and are perfect for both casual and formal environments.

Minimalist Jewelry To Make A Bold Statement

The key to a minimalist style is an outfit that has one showstopping jewelry piece. Whether it be a sleek pair of thick huggie hoops or a chunky signet ring, a single jewel can keep you looking fashion-forward. Nothing screams minimalist chic more than one impactful piece of jewelry to keep all eyes on you.   

To get that big and bold look with one piece of jewelry, you’d do best by investing in some solid gold pieces. Modern minimalist jewelry trends all point to yellow gold jewelry, a warm and versatile metal that looks good on any skin tone. 

Minimalist Jewelry: Simple, Yet Sparkling

Just because you’re going with minimalist jewelry doesn’t mean you need to lose your shine. Diamond jewelry is still the perfect choice for a polished and sparkling aesthetic, like diamond pendants or diamond tennis bracelets. Our only advice here will be to stick to one kind of metal if you wear more than one piece of diamond jewelry. 

If you’re looking for just a hint of sparkle, a modest bezel set or dome ring could be the perfect asset to your minimalist collection. 

Keep Your Jewelry Box Light

Minimalist jewelry can serve you time and time again. Stick to a few flexible pieces that you might wear for both informal and formal occasions with any type of outfit. Here, we suggest starting with precious metals. These metals often appear as clean, sleek lines with smooth satin surfaces.

This type of jewelry is a staple of simple elegance and is easy to throw on at a minute’s notice. Take a pair of simple stackable rings or a medallion necklace, for example; put them on, and you’ve gone from casual to polished in an instant. Plus, it’s a long-term investment in quality and style you’ll get to cherish and wear any time you want.

Related post: Minimalist Jewelry: Back To Basics

Spice Up Your Minimalist Jewelry With Gemstones

A pop of color may be just what the fashionistas ordered. If your outfit of choice happens to be a simple white, beige or black ensemble, gemstone jewelry will serve as your ideal accessory. 

What we love about gemstones is their ability to look fabulous in whichever fine jewelry piece you prefer. Their color will give you the extra finesse your outfit needs to make a statement; from gemstone rings to a chic gemstone necklace or bracelet, your options are endless. 

As a minimalist rule, it’s less complicated to stick to your favorite type of gemstone and avoid unnecessary mixing and matching.

Avoid Complicated Designs

Minimalist jewelry can be fun and explorative, from asymmetric lines for abstract simplicity or perfectly symmetrical pieces that give you a sleek look. Try to avoid designs that are too intricate and move towards more opulent jewelry with clean cuts and smooth surfaces.

You don’t want to take away from the curated minimalism that comes with uncomplicated jewelry designs.

Buying A Piece of Minimalist Jewelry For Someone Special

If you’re thinking about getting a piece of jewelry for someone special, but you want it to be affordable and not over the top, minimalist jewelry is the way to go! 

We all like adding accessories to our jewelry boxes that we know we can wear every day no matter the occasion, so trust us when we say your gift will be appreciated and worn often!
Go for a simple stackable birthstone ring, a plain medallion necklace, a simple pair of hoop earrings, or a cuff bracelet to let them know you care and that you have great taste in jewelry.

Closing Thoughts

We at JamesAllen.com hope you enjoyed this article as much as we loved writing it. Our archives are brimming with fun and helpful tips about fine jewelry. Learn how to match your personality and style with the jewelry of your dreams. You can find our selection of reads below. 

If you have any questions about our products or you’d like to design your own earrings or pendants, visit our website here or get in contact with one of our 24/7 customer service agents here.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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How to Stack Your Jewelry Like A Pro

Stacking jewelry is a small pleasure that is both fun and fashion-forward. Keep reading on to find out all the ways you can combine your favorite pieces to perfect the art of stacking your jewelry. 

Stack Jewelry Like a Pro

We adore well-stacked and layered jewelry. It can take a bland outfit to a whole new level while appearing effortless. There’s no limit to what jewelry you can layer, from fine jewelry accessories to diamond trinkets. 

Layering your jewelry in a way that leaves your look polished and perfect can be a little tricky. There are basic rules and tips you can follow to make sure your style isn’t screaming “overkill.” We’ve come up with a few trusted tips that you can always keep in mind before you get ready for a casual night out or an important event. 

Whether you love layering necklaces or enjoy stacking rings, let us show you that more is definitely more when piling on sparkling accessories. 

The Art Of Layering And Stacking Necklaces

When layering your necklaces, it’s important to remember that it can be done no matter what time of year it is. Layering necklaces and pendants can be just as gorgeous over a turtleneck sweater as they would on a bare neck in the glowing summer.

As you layer, keep your touch as delicate as possible. You don’t want to add one chunky necklace next to another and risk looking sloppy. If you love the more heavy neck accessories, then consider layering a chunky choker with bolder chains.  

Pro tip: pearl necklaces make for a perfect classic chunky choker.

Freshwater Cultured Pearl Lariat Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Lariat Necklace (8.0-9.0mm)

Pair this timeless pearl necklace with smaller chains and be the picture of grace and sophistication. 

Triple Layer Pierced Diamond Specks Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Triple Layer Pierced Diamond Specks Necklace By Brevani

They say all good things come in threes: three layers of glittering perfection. 

For a softer look, we recommend taking a few elegant pieces, like a diamond or gemstone pendant, and pairing it with a few thinly chained necklaces of varying lengths. Allow them to rest about an inch from each other to get a decorated look.

Pro tip: Feel free to mix and match different metal types when you’re layering your necklaces. 

Kite Set Solitaire Diamond Pendant

14K White Gold Four Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant (0.25 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

What we love about a diamond pendant is that it can be paired with just about anything. 

East-West Diamond Halo Necklace

14K White Gold East-West Oval Rhodolite Garnet And Diamond Halo Necklace

Make a bold statement and keep all eyes on you with this showstopping stunner. 

Ring Stacking For Glamorous And Bold Ensembles  

We have two tips and tricks for stacking rings. One for stacking gemstone and fine jewelry rings and the other for artfully stacking your engagement ring

Stacking rings can be one way to express your unique personality. Stacked rings can give off an elegant aesthetic or more of a contemporary vibe, depending on your outfit of choice. 

Skies the limit when layering your rings, as texture and color mixing is always welcome! Play around with various shapes and lines to add horizontal and vertical dimensions to your style. 

Pro tip: make sure to leave one or two fingers ring-free when stacking and layering your rings.

Evil Eye Diamond Ring

14K Yellow Gold Evil Eye Diamond Ring

Try this beauty on for size and add all the texture and symbolism your ensemble is missing. 

Open Infinity Diamond Ring

14K Rose Gold Petite Open Infinity Diamond Ring

This piece is beautiful on its own or worn with other stackables for a trendier look. 

Stacking engagement rings with accented diamond rings is a trend we’ve seen celebrities like Hailey Bieber adopt in recent years. 

Depending on your engagement ring’s setting and center stone, there are endless ways to pair it with your wedding band and anniversary rings. You could pair a solitaire engagement band with a thin-band pavé eternity ring or stack your fancy-shaped diamond with a geometrical ring that sits well against its shape. 

Pro tip: stack your engagement ring with thin band rings, so you add to your sparkle without taking away its spotlight. 

Deep V Diamond Ring

14K White Gold Deep V Diamond Ring

The perfect partner to sit flush against your marquise or pear-shaped engagement ring.

Contour Diamond Eternity Ring

14K Rose Gold Shared Prong Contour Diamond Eternity Ring (1 CTW H-I / SI1-SI2)

This sparkling eternity ring will make you shine from every angle. 

Stacking Bracelets From Gemstones To Diamonds 

Layering your brackets is simply the easiest way to stack jewelry, as you’ll have a lot more wiggle room for quantity and can mix up your favorite metals. 

Try stacking smooth and clean-lined precious metal bracelets, either on both wrists or layered up one arm for a chic and polished look. This is lovely for your everyday work look or a semi-formal event.

If you’re feeling colorful and want to go wild with an array of textured and gemstone bracelets, then pick two main pieces you wish to highlight and dress them up with thick and thin bracelets and bangles. 

Pro tip: Invest in easy-to-slip-on bracelets if you’re planning on wearing them often.

Perpetual Diamond And Emerald Tennis Bracelet

14K White Gold Perpetual Diamond And Emerald Tennis Bracelet

Your friends will be emerald green with envy over your exquisite bracelet. 

Akoya Cultured Pearl Brilliance Bead Bangle Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl And Textured Brilliance Bead Bangle Bracelet (8.0-8.5mm)

We’ve said it, and we’ll continue to say it: you can never go wrong with pearls. 

Diamond bracelets are always a swoon-worthy trinket most of us would gladly slip on without hesitation.

The best way to stack your more expensive tennis bracelets without downplaying their brilliance is to layer with petite bracelets like an open cuff bracelet with diamond accents or a minimalist bangle bracelet. 

Pro tip: layer your bracelets with classic and modern pieces to achieve contemporary chic. 

Diamond Tennis Bracelet

14K White Gold Two Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet (2 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

This tennis bracelet is ideal for everyday wear and designed for easygoing glamour.  

Staple Cuff Bangle

14K Yellow Gold Staple Cuff Bangle

Lightweight and perfect for a minimalist or stacked look. 

Key Takeaways

Stacking and layering your jewelry may take a while to get right, but it’s part of the fun to learn what works for you and what doesn’t.

We hope you enjoyed our helpful tips and tricks and will continue experimenting with your favorite pieces. Don’t be afraid to invest in new fine jewelry and stay on top of the latest trends (or set your own!) 

We love to talk jewelry; that’s why James Allen‘s customer service agents are available to you 24/7. Feel free to contact us or visit our website here.

See our related articles below if you’d like to learn more about fine jewelry trends and stackable rings: 

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first order!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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Trending Gold Necklace Styles of 2020

A rich gold necklace makes its wearer an instant queen. Check out our most popular yellow gold necklaces, as well as tricks for wearing them like a pro!

Layered yellow gold necklaces

What’s so special about a gold necklace? Well, what isn’t? Yellow gold is a luxurious, warm metal that has been prized for millennia for its undeniable luxe, thanks to its elegance, maturity, and style. Gold necklaces elevate absolutely any outfit. You can wear them constantly. And there are SO many styles to choose from!

Keep scrolling to discover our most popular gold necklace styles.

The Diamonds

Diamonds + yellow gold is a classic combination. This is a style that you can wear anywhere, anytime, for an immediate boost of professionalism. With a gold necklace like these below, you’ll always be that person who knows exactly what they’re talking about.

Bezel-Set Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

Triple-Layer Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Triple Layer Pierced Diamond Specks Necklace By Brevani

Pear Halo Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Pear Halo Cluster Necklace

The Gemstones

Colorful gemstones and yellow gold make for playful pieces that are packed with personality. Choose a gold necklace with gems that complement your colors, match your eyes, or hold a special meaning. 

Ruby Sugarloaf Yellow Gold Necklace

18K Yellow Gold Ruby Pave Sugarloaf Necklace

Amethyst and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Classical Amethyst And Diamond Necklace By Brevani

Bezel-Set Sapphire Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Bezel Set Bar Necklace

The Divas

Oh HELLO now! Imagine walking into a room flaunting a ripper of a gold necklace like one of these show-stoppers! Wear your style and wear it LOUD.

Diamond Sunburst Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Sunburst Diamond Circle Necklace

Amethyst Cabochon Yellow Gold Necklace

18K Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst Cabochon And Diamond Necklace

Octagon Citrine and Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace

18K Yellow Gold Octagon Citrine And Diamond Necklace

The Minimalists

Shhhh now…these simple styles radiate calm. An elegant gold necklace is a perfect choice for daily wear. It’s also the most versatile! These minimalist necklaces move effortlessly from the office to afternoon coffee, to a night out.

Infinity Pavé Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Infinity Pave Necklace

Lightning Bolt Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bolt Necklace

Diamond Starburst Yellow Gold Necklace

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Starburst Necklace

Go bold, go GOLD

More gorgeous pieces for gold aficionados

  1. #Winning yellow gold engagement rings
  2. Yellow gold wedding bands for men
  3. White gold engagement rings
  4. Rose gold wedding bands

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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