Amethyst: The gemstone that makes you feel like royalty . . .
The amethyst has been a favored jewel of kings and queens for thousands of years, and every woman deserves to be treated like a queen. In addition, the amethyst’s lilac to purple color makes a wonderful addition to a spring wardrobe and compliments any skin tone.

The mystical Amethyst . . .
Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote that the amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. The Greeks believed that the amethyst was an antidote against drunkenness and this gem still symbolizes sobriety today. As a symbol of sincerity and stability the amethyst ranks number one.

Give the gift of Amethyst . . .
Being the birthstone for the month February is the most obvious reason to give someone an amethyst. However, giving an amethyst also acknowledges a current long-lasting relationship or the triumph over an obstacle by the recipient of the gift.

Interested in the science?
The amethyst is a member of the quartz crystal family, and can vary in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The amethyst ranks a 7 on Mohs’ scale.  The most sought after amethyst colors are the deeper shades of purple.

Caring for your Amethyst
General jewelry cleaning practices can be used when caring for your amethyst jewelry. However, it should be noted that the color of an amethyst can be affected by extreme heat.

The Legend of Amethyst
Amethyst's origin resides with the god Dionysus (Bacchus) and the goddess Diana. Dionysus, the god of wine, celebration, intoxication and joviality, was insulted by a mortal who had refused him acknowledgement. Enraged, Dionysus vowed to unleash his fury upon all mortals who did not partake in his gifts of wine and drunkenness. He immediately spotted a young maiden named Amethyst who was pure and unfamiliar with being intoxicated. The unsuspecting young virgin, who was on her way to pay homage to the goddess Diana, was detained by the wrathful god. Dionysus summoned two fiercely voracious tigers to devour the youth and sat back with his wine to watch. Amethyst cried out to Diana. When Diana saw what was about to transpire she quickly transformed the young mortal into a glimmering pure white stone (quartz) to protect her from the vicious wrath of Dionysus. Moved with pity, Dionysus realized the ruthlessness of his actions and began to weep with sorrow. As the tears dripped into his goblet Dionysus collapsed and the tear-tainted wine ran out onto the stone from the tipped cup. The white stone then absorbed the color from the wine creating the stone now called amethyst.

• View our Amethyst jewelry collection