Almandite is what most people envision when they think of garnet; blood red stones, pure and deep (although it does come in a range of colours).  Very popular with the Victorians, it has suffered from a slightly fusty image, rather unfair considering the liveliness of the colours and affordable prices.  And these stones are great; cut cabochon cut with chequerboard facets, which gives it a sharp, contemporary feel.  The material is a good, deep red but remains nice and open and the stones are very clean.  Please note, garnet has a high specific gravity which makes it heavier and therefore pricier than other gemstones of the same size and carat price. Garnet is also the birthstone for January.