The Fascinating Legacy of Garnet’s Timeless Beauty

By Evan Mantyk & Ariel Tian

With its fiery red and orange glow, Garnet has fascinated civilizations for thousands of years and today is regarded as the birthstone for January.

A Fiery and Useful Symbol of Life

The known story of garnet begins in the ancient world. Archaeologists have discovered garnet necklaces and talismans in Ancient Egyptian tombs, where it symbolized life and was used to honor deities like Sekhmet, the Goddess of War. In Ancient Greece and Rome, garnet was prized for its beauty and utility, often used in signet rings to seal important documents.

The gem’s rich red and orange hue gave rise to the term “carbuncle,” derived from the Latin word meaning “little coal.” Historically, carbuncle described glowing red stones, including garnets. Folklore often depicted these stones as mystical, and were believed to emit light in darkness and offer protection and guidance. One legend recounts Noah using a glowing carbuncle to light the Ark during the Great Flood.

Garnet also became a symbol of protection and strength. Saxon kings, Native American healers, and warriors across cultures believed the stone shielded its wearers from harm. Its reddish color tied it to the heart and blood, embodying vitality, courage, and passion.

From a Greek Myth to the Renaissance

In Greek mythology, garnet is associated with the pomegranate seeds eaten by the goddess Persephone. According to the myth, the King of the Underworld had fallen in love with Persephone and taken her to his kingdom below the Earth’s surface to be his queen. She was rescued by her mother Demeter, but unbeknownst to Demeter, Persephone brought with her a pomegranate. 

As soon as Persephone ate it, it bound her forever to the Underworld. The gods involved compromised so that she was allowed to spend six months above on Earth and six months below where she reigned as queen with her husband. Thus, the garnet, like Persephone’s pomegranate seeds, has also symbolized the promise of reunion. Garnets were often exchanged between friends or travelers as tokens of safe return and friendship. This is also why garnet today is sometimes called “The Gem of Faith.”

During the Renaissance, garnets rose to prominence with the discovery of Bohemian deposits in the modern Czech Republic. Bohemian garnet jewelry became iconic, with artisans crafting designs that resembled clusters of pomegranate seeds.

Timeless Power and Meaning

Garnet today is considered January’s birthstone. Being associated with the first month in the calendar, Garnet represents fresh beginnings and the promise of happiness and prosperity. From ancient tombs to modern jewelry boxes, garnet’s story is one of resilience, beauty, and timeless appeal.

The rich culture of garnet continues on at Shen Yun Collections. The Timeless Blessings collection highlights garnet’s vibrant energy while celebrating the cherished Chinese ruyi motif, symbolizing peace and the realization of one’s wishes. These designs seamlessly blend rich heritage with elegant fashion, creating jewelry that tells a story of enduring beauty and meaning.