Garnet has been used as far back as the Bronze Age, 3500 B.C.E., and by the Egyptians in jewelry.  It’s name is a Latin derivative that translates to seed and is thought to represent the pomegranate seed. Garnet was worn as a symbol of life, a talisman for protection to warriors and to ward off plague, for its healing properties, safety during travel.  Garnet eliminates negative thoughts and wards off depression, instills confidence in it’s wearer and creates clarity to induce creative thinking.  What I am getting at is the Garnet has been lauded through the millennia and is a pretty important gemstone to kick off each new year.