Amethyst Jewellery

What is amethyst?

Amethyst is a prized and genuinely interesting form of mineral quartz. Amethyst is related to rock crystal (the colourless quartz) and citrine (the yellow form of quartz).

History of amethyst.

The name itself comes from the Greek "a" (not) and "methustos" (to intoxicate). It's believed that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness! Ancient Romans and Greeks wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglios. Beads of amethyst are found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England.

Quality of amethyst.

As with most gemstones, the best colour varies according to quality and personal preference. It's found in a many colours, ranging from purple to mauve and violet. It may exhibit one or both secondary hues, red and/or blue. The ideal grade is called "Deep Siberian" and has a primary purple hue of around 75% to 80%.

The rich, deep violet colour is usually everyone’s favourite (and the most expensive), but a sparkling stone of moderate intensity can also be very attractive.

Reasons to buy amethyst jewellery.

It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, and of the philosophical, spiritual and material planes. Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also linked with the astrological signs of Pisces, Aries (the purple variety), Aquarius, and Sagittarius. Why not give amethyst jewellery as a gift to someone with a birthday in February?