Saturday, January 25, 2014

Amethyst is the birthstone of February




Amethyst is the birthstone of February. 

In Greek mythology the Amethyst was thought to protect the owner from drunkenness.  Wine goblets were often carved from it in the belief it would prevent intoxication. The name for amethyst originates from the Greek word “amethystos” which means “not intoxicated.” 

Purple has been considered a royal color for centuries so Amethyst has always been in high demand. Fine Amethysts are featured on the British Crown Jewels and were a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian Royalty.  Leonardo da Vinci and other great thinkers believed that amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and quicken intelligence.  Amethyst is associated with stability, peace, balance, courage and inner strength. 

Amethyst is the most special and highly prized variety of quartz.  It is found in many geologic settings, but the most significant is as crystals lining cavities in volcanic rock, such as in southern Brazil and Uruguay.  This region is the major source of gem quality amethyst.  About 130 million years ago gas bubbles were trapped in cooling volcanic lava and formed cavities up to several meters in diameter.  In these large cavities, dripping water dissolved silica which formed linings of amethyst crystal. 

Designers view amethyst as the ideal choice for jewelry because of its regal color, variety of shapes and sizes and affordability. Amethyst is considered a relatively inexpensive stone; prices are range from $30-120 per carat depending on color and quality of cut. 

The stone ranges from dark to light purple, dark being the highest quality.  We carry only the finest quality Amethyst from Uruguay which are a deep rich purple color.  Stop in to see this historically famous stone. 

Pictured in bottom right corner is a 8.25 carat laser cut Uruguayan amethyst available for sale. 

By Vicky Gulko