Garnet

Garnet is a gemstone variety of silicate minerals which comes in a wide variety of colours, however it is mostly known in its yellowy-red colours ranging from yellow via orange and deep reds to purple.

Garnet was the most common gemstone in Rome during the late antiquity and due to its relative softness garnet was often cut into decorate shapes and inlaid into gold, known as garnet cloisonné.

Garnet has been believed to grant good health, protect the wearer against disease and it was supposed to be specifically useful to ease inflammation, where the deeper the colour of the garnet was, the stronger its effect would be. When worn on the body garnet was also supposed to fight skin disease.

Persians believed garnet would protect the wearer against forces of nature and in middle ages Garnet was said to protect against theft, by granting the thief misfortune which would endure until the garnet was returned to its owner.

Legend also had it that garnet could help calm the mind, diminish anger, raise spirits and happiness, while at the same time ward off nightmares.

Garnet has long been considered a good gift due to its association with good health and it soothing effect on the mind and when given to a friend it was believed it would preserve friendship.

Garnet is the birthstone of January and zodiacal birthstone of Capricorn.

Historically worn for: energy, raised spirits, health.