Garnets have a long association with humankind.  Jewels with garnets were found in prehistoric graves, and it was believed that the stone offered protection in the afterlife.
Garnets symbolized faith, constancy and truth. The Greeks believed that the gem could shield against drowning and nightmares. For them meant passion, fidelity and devotion, strengthen faith, friendship and courage; therefore, they used it as talisman and amulets.
For Egyptians, this gemstone was a curative and an antidote against venom and food poisoning.
In medieval Spain, the pomegranate was a favourite fruit, and the similarity to garnets made them very appreciated. For them, garnets represented the sun in Spanish astrology.
The King of Saxony is said to have had a 465 carats garnet (its size was equal to ten Hope diamonds).
Today, Garnet remains a gift of love, and it is traditionally a gift for the 2nd anniversary of marriage.

Garnets were one of Queen Victoria’s favourite gemstone, and like royals, the different gem shades are cherished by celebrities.
The January birthstone has more colours than the deep red colour. Garnets can be found in nearly all other colours, including orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, and colourless. 


While Rhodolite is purplish red, Hessonite is an orange or cinnamon variety, Tsavorite, Uvarovite and Demantoid are green varieties.
The deep red colour, multifaceted history, lores and legends all add the mysticism of the garnet. This warm, bright stone stands in contrast to the cold month of January.

Garnet is January gemstone

Known, at least, since classical antiquity,  legends say that Noah used a garnet lantern to help him steer his ark through the darkness of the night. Garnets were used in jewellery since early Egyptian, Greek and Roman times. 
Many explorers and travellers liked to carry a garnet, as it was very popular as a talisman and protective stone, and garnet quality of night guiding light meant it could protect its bearer from evil and disaster.

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