Garnets are a quite versatile gemstone. They occur in almost every color of the rainbow - from electric green to golden orange - though of course the varieties most are familiar with are a rich, purplish red in hue.
Victorian gold and garnet festoon necklace. Available at Gray & Davis.
Besides their alluring appearance, garnets have traditionally been ascribed with a number of apotropaic powers. Garnets help to ward off nightmares, wounds and diseases of the skin. If danger is present, a garnet will lose its luster. One who wears a garnet will be the recipient of love and loyalty, which is a warming thought for a cold winter month.