Garnets derive their name from the Latin for "pomegranate," because small red garnets were thought to resemble pomegranate seeds. The most popular garnet color is deep red, but garnets may occur in almost every natural color (except blue).

Folklore

The garnet is an especially fitting birthstone for the first month of the new year, as it was historically believed to promote peace and end war. Garnets have also been thought to help cure disease, protect travelers from harm, and even slow bleeding.

Ironically, some ancient Asiatic tribes made bullets from garnet. They believed a garnet, because of its blood-like color, would cause greater injury to an enemy than a typical lead bullet.

In the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, the ark was guided through the rain and darkness by a garnet lantern.

Metaphysical Properties

As with other red colored stones, garnets are thought to stimulate creativity, enhance energy, and attract love. They may also protect the wearer from theft and ward off nightmares. Red garnets are associated with the body's root chakra.

Price Range

The prices of garnet jewelry vary widely, depending on the quality, size, and amount of stones used. Inexpensive, lower-quality garnet is plentiful and commonly used in fashion semi-precious gemstone jewelry. Very high-quality garnets may be faceted and polished to adorn higher-priced fine jewelry.

Fun fact:
In Victorian times, garnets were referred to as "carbuncles."

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