This month at Le Arret, we're celebrating garnet — January's birthstone — alongside a guide to reading jewelry hallmarks and the top layering trends to know for 2026.
Featured This Month:
A Bespoke Cushion-Cut Diamond Ring
A bespoke masterpiece, crafted in-house from start to finish.
This elongated cushion-cut mined diamond was handpicked for our client, with selection down to the millimeter. Set in a unique NSEW design with our iconic tiger claws, the ring exudes strength, elegance, and individuality — a true reflection of unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
For private viewings and bespoke inquiries, contact us at info@learret.com
The Story of Garnet
Across cultures, garnet has represented warmth, devotion, and vitality. Its rich hue made it a favourite in Victorian jewelry, often paired with gold to create romantic, deeply personal pieces.
A few facts make garnet especially memorable. The name comes from the Latin "granatum," meaning pomegranate, because the stones resemble the fruit's seeds. Its durability and brightness also made it a natural choice for warriors in ancient times, who believed it offered protection in battle.
As January's birthstone, garnet is a symbol of passion, energy, and enduring strength — making it a meaningful choice for custom and heirloom jewelry alike.
Understanding Jewelry Hallmarks
Hallmarks reveal the metal type and purity of your piece. Knowing these marks helps you make informed choices when buying or caring for your jewelry.
925 — Sterling silver
GF — Gold filled
GP / GEF — Gold plated or gold electroplated. Common base metals include copper, nickel, or steel
SP — Silver plated. Common base metals include copper, nickel, or steel
PT950 / PLAT — Platinum
10K or 417 — 41.7% pure gold
14K or 585 — 58.5% pure gold
18K or 750 — 75% pure gold
Note: Plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold or silver over a base metal. Over time, friction or exposure to moisture and chemicals can cause the layer to wear away, revealing the base metal beneath. When investing in fine jewelry, always look for solid gold or platinum for lasting quality.
Keep an eye out for these stamps — they're your guide to quality.
Layering Trends for 2026
Stack it, layer it, mix it.
This year's top jewelry trend is all about creatively combining pieces — think necklaces of varying lengths, rings of different widths, and even mixing metals for an effortlessly curated look.
Understanding proportions is key: longer chains balance shorter ones, slimmer rings complement chunkier bands, and coordinating gemstone colours adds harmony across your stack.
Experimenting with layers allows you to express your personal style while keeping your look polished and intentional. At Le Arret, we specialize in custom pieces designed to work together — contact us today to create your own custom layered look.
Book a Complimentary Consultation
Ready to begin your custom jewelry journey? Book a complimentary one-on-one consultation with our team.