Purple: The Color of Royalty

"The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear."

For those who were born in the month of February the Amethyst is the traditional birthstone. Amethyst stone is associated with stability, peace, balance, courage, inner strength, sincerity and a calm disposition.  It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem.  Whether or not Amethyst holds such power, it’s beauty will certainly make anyone who wears it feel like royalty!  The healing properties of the Amethyst are said to help with health problems relating to the withdrawal symptoms of any sort of addiction, headaches, insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, circulatory system issues and general healing.  In fact, the name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken."  This was perhaps due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered.

The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers.  Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters and jewelry.   A large amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in the British Crown Jewels.

Once considered more valuable than diamonds, amethyst is a member of the quartz family, occurring naturally as crystals within rocks.   Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it has a wide range of purple shades. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive.  Today, amethyst is an affordable gemstone that is fortunately available in a wide variety of cuts. 

Here are some gift ideas for February Birthstone.

 

Amethyst jewelry is readily available for purchase from Sumpters Jewelry, call (704) 315-3104
www.sumptersjewelry.com

written by: Susan G
edited and designed by: Carolyn M