Fashion Jewellery
Find the February Birthstone Amethyst on iCraft
How much does a birthstone say about us? Or is it merely a pretty stone with lots of history and opinions behind it? It’s February now, so let’s have a look at the February birthstone, Amethyst.
Here are some interested factoids about amethyst:
- Amethyst is a semi-precious stone, considered the most valuable form of quartz. Luckily, quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the earth’s crust.
- Amethyst sports a beautiful blend of violet and red, light and dark purple.
- Amethyst is associated with royalty because of it’s deep purple colour – at one point in history only royalty were allowed to wear it. I’m glad we can all wear it now!
- The source of the name is the Greek word for sober or “not drunk”, amethystos. Ancient Greeks believed wearing the stone would protect them from intoxication. I’m not sure how that worked out for them…
- Amethyst can found just about everywhere on earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found in Russia. Today Brazil is the primary source, but excellent examples can be found in Uruguay, Zambia, and in the US, in Arizona and North Carolina.
What are the powers of amethyst?
- Amethyst represents peace, temperance, and serenity. As an aside, the Pope always wears an amethyst ring.
- Amethyst is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. As the stone of royalty, it represents power
- Symbolism of this gem also includes stability, balance, inner strength, sincerity, and a calm disposition
- Amethyst are considered great crystals for emotional healing. Positive energy stones, they can help reduce anxiety, stress, anger and fear.
- Some maintain that the meaning of the amethyst crystal is protection and spiritual growth.
Are you looking for handcrafted jewelry featuring amethyst? You’ll find lovely one-of-a-kind rings, pendants and other amethyst jewelry on iCraftgifts.com.
A bit of amethyst history
- The early Egyptians placed the stones in the tombs of pharaohs.
- The signet ring worn by Cleopatra was supposedly an amethyst
- The amethyst has been traced back as far as 25,000 years ago in France, where it was used as a decorative stone by prehistoric humans. It has even been found among the remains of Neolithic man.
- In Arabian mythology, the amethyst was supposed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and gout. (I suspect the bad dreams and gout were connected to each other)
- Purple is the color of royalty, and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn rich and powerful monarchs and rulers.
- The amethyst is the stone of Saint Valentine, who stories say wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. Saint Valentine’s Day is still observed in February.
- During the Middle Ages, the stones were used to ward off sleep, sharpen intellect, and protect the wearer from sorcery. It was also believed to bring victory in battle.
Dorry Custom Jewelry
Today, we are fortunate that amethyst is widely available, so we can all find and wear this lovely and affordable gemstone. And the wonderful attributes, so famous throughout history, are an added bonus! You can be calm, steady, strong, peaceful and much more, at the same time as gorgeous. Your amethyst jewelry is suitable for any occasion, or just everyday wear to keep those properties close to you.