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

Archaeologists have found primitive Garnet Jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers which dates the use of this popular gemstone to the Bronze age.

The Garnet Jewelry is an especially fitting birthstone for the first month of the New Year, as it was historically believed to promote peace and end war. Garnet Jewelry has also been thought to help cure disease, protect travelers from harm, and even slow bleeding.

Ironically, some ancient Asiatic tribes made bullets from Garnet Jewelry. 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.

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 Garnet Jewelry. Very high-quality garnets may be faceted and polished to adorn higher-priced fine Garnet Jewelry.