| Amethyst is a semi-precious gemstone frequently | | | | combinations include contrasts such as purple |
| incorporated into some of the most modern, | | | | amethyst with the yellow-brown citrine, white |
| beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is | | | | pearls, raw diamonds or light blue aquamarine. To |
| most often found in shades of purple or red, and | | | | see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry |
| is considered both the February Birthstone and | | | | featuring amethyst, click here. Amethyst is |
| the 6th Anniversary gemstone. But beyond its | | | | typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that |
| modern-day uses and associations, amethyst | | | | works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works |
| holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and | | | | especially well to enhance the glitter of brown or |
| etymological history that adds nostalgic value to | | | | hazel eyes. |
| its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for | | | | Amethyst was one of the first gemstones to be |
| more information that will help you fall in love with | | | | used by man and is often found set into religious |
| your amethyst jewelry - or inspire you to buy | | | | jewelry, such as rosaries. The gem is considered |
| some today! | | | | sacred to Buddha. Once largely mined in Russia, |
| Amethyst is a purple variety of the quartz family | | | | Amethyst now mostly comes from Africa and |
| whose name derives from the Greek word | | | | South America. |
| "amethustos," or "not to intoxicate." According to | | | | Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| Greek myth, Dionysus, the God of Intoxication, | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| became infuriated by an insult and swore revenge | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Like the |
| on the next person to cross his path. Amethyst, | | | | rest of the quartz family, amethyst gets a score |
| a young maiden, was that person. When she saw | | | | of 7, meaning that it is fairly scratch resistant and |
| the young girl in trouble, Goddess Diana acted | | | | therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. |
| quickly to save Amethyst, turning her into a | | | | Amethyst gemstones should be regularly cleaned |
| statue of crystalline quartz. Dionysus saw the | | | | by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap |
| statue and became overwhelmed with grief, | | | | and water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, solvents and |
| spilling out remorseful tears of wine and thus | | | | harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted |
| staining the quartz the familiar purple color we see | | | | jewelry as exposure to these elements can |
| today. | | | | damage semi-precious and precious gemstones |
| In the past and still today, Amethyst is used to | | | | and pearls. |
| heal headaches, alleviate sugar imbalances and | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, |
| stabilize negative influences. To many the stone | | | | including apatite, aquamarine, black onyx, blue |
| encourages peace of mind by opening of the third | | | | topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, white |
| "celestial" eye, located in the center of the | | | | topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, garnet, iolite, |
| forehead. | | | | jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, |
| Amethyst gemstones look best as parts of | | | | prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey |
| formal evening jewelry when paired with Black | | | | topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when |
| Onyx, black pearls or diamonds. More casual | | | | you check out this gemstone chart. |