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The deep, glossy red color of garnet resembles the juicy seeds of a pomegranate, which is perhaps why its name is derived from the Latin word for pomegranate seeds, granatum. In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and associated with eternal love. In ancient history, travelers wore garnet gemstones because they were believed to light up the night and provide protection from nightmares and accidents.

In the middle ages, garnet was commonly believed to guard against poison. Royals would often drop a garnet gemstone into a glass of wine to ensure they were not poisoned to death. Garnets were also worn by the crusaders as an aid to safely find their way home. Eastern European folktales speak of garnets being worn around the neck to guard against night-wandering vampires.

Garnets were also used in burial jewelry and carved signet rings to proclaim royalty during the Bronze Age (300 BC).

Garnet is the official birthstone of January. The rich red stone mixes well with gold-colored metals and the soft pink colors of pink sea "opal glass," Peruvian pink opal and rose quartz gemstone beads.