Symbolizes constancy, friendship and fidelity
Sources
Found all over the world, particularly Africa, Sri Lanka, Burma, Madagascar and throughout India.
Points of Interest
The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “garanatus,” meaning “seedlike,” in reference to a pomegranate.
In Greek mythology, a pomegranate is referenced as a gift of love and is associated with eternity. This may be why Garnet is the stone that celebrates the second anniversary of marriage.
Noah used a finely cut glowing garnet to illuminate and guide the Ark: thus, this stone has been said to protect travelers for centuries.
It has been said that a garnet engraved with the figure of a lion is an all around effective charm that will protect and preserve health, cure the wearer of all disease, bring him honors, and guard him from all the possible perils in traveling.
Garnets were highly popular in Europe, in 18th and 19th centuries. They were frequently used for jewelry in the Victorian times.
The King of Saxony is said to have had a garnet of over 465 carats.
Plato had his portrait engraved on a garnet by a Roman engraver.
Christian tradition considered the blood-red garnet as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.
Moreover, garnet is symbolic of a quick return and separated love, since Hades had given a pomegranate to Persephone before she left him to ensure her speedy return. Therefore, garnet may be given to a beloved before embarking on a trip, as it is believed to heal the broken bonds of lovers.
Garnet comes in every hue except pure blue.
