The majority of modern garnets are mined in Africa, with major deposits in Kenya and Tanzania.
Celebrated for their beautiful Bordeaux red colour, garnets were popular
in Victorian times when candlelight enhanced its rich hues.
Also known as the Cape Ruby, the garnet derives its name from the Latin granatus in reference to
the resemblance small garnets bear to pomegranate seeds. Venus is said to have bestowed pomegranates
upon her favourites, while Hades gave a pomegranate to Persephone to ensure her swift return.
This close association with the love apple may explain why garnets are said to attract love.
