Amethyst
is the birthstone for for the month of February & anniversary
gemstone for the 6th year of marriage.
Amethyst, purple color gemstone. The legend of the origin
of amethyst comes from Greek myths. Purple color has long
been considered a royal color so it is not surprising that
amethyst has been so popular through the history.
Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and
were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty.
Amethyst, transparent purple quartz, is the most important
quartz variety used in jewelry. Amethyst was thought to encourage
celibacy. Because of that, amethyst was very important in
the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops
still often wear amethyst rings.
Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to
deep purple. The pale colors are sometimes called "Rose de France" and can
be seen set in Victorian jewelry. The deep colors are the most valuable,
particularly a rich purple with rose flashes.
Amethyst is available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and
shapes, including many fancy shapes. Large fine stones may be
sold in free sizes but generally amethyst is cut in
standardized dimensions.
