Garnets have been used as gemstones throughout history. It
was said that Noah used a lantern of garnet to guide his ark in the night. All
red stones were called carbuncles in ancient times and the Koran says that the
4th heaven is composed of a carbuncle.
A Greek myth tells the story of Persephone, the goddess of
sunshine, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Persephone was
eventually released by Hades, when he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which
made sure she would return to him. It is from this legend that garnet is the
protective gemstone for travelers. A gift of the stone symbolizes the desire
for a loved one’s safe journey and speedy return home. Garnets were widely used
in jewellery in Egyptian, Greek and Roman times.
Garnet's powers include healing, strength, and protection
and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin. It is also believed
to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In earlier
times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their
affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.