GEMSTONES

Amethyst

Birthstone of February
The “perfect” affordable gem

According to Biblical lore, the deep, violet-hued Amethyst means perfection.  Where beauty is concerned, this jewel may truly be called ideal for many reasons:  It offers the qualities of transparency, lovely coloring and soft brilliance.  These qualities brought it into popularity centuries before the Christian era. It was the third stone in the third row in the jeweled breastplate worn by Aaron, the high priest of the Hebrews, which contained twelve precious stones. In the New Testament, these stones became the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation where each stone was identified with a prophet.

From Egypt, where it had been known for centuries, the Amethyst was brought to Greece in the period just following the death of Alexander the Great.  Amethyst, taken from the Greek word “amethustos” (meaning unaffected by drink), had a soaring reputation up until the 1800s.  When the Roman Empire arose, the Greeks, went on making beautiful jewelry. Roman women in particular prized Amethyst jewelry; they believed the Amethyst could insure their husbands’ love.
South American neighbors, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Uruguay, now produce at least 85% of the world’s Amethyst, the most popular affordably priced gem, but it is Russia and Africa that supply the finest quality stones. These stones have a regal appearance, containing a reddish overtone, which gives the appearance of a king’s velvet cape. Amethyst is a precious variety of crystalline quartz.  It is quite durable and can be worn without worry of easy damage or abrasion.

Special Care instructions:  can fade in sunlight; avoid exposure to high heat as well.