February's Birthstone: The Royal Amethyst
Amethyst, renowned for its purple hues, serves as the birthstone for February and stands out as the most popular purple gemstone. Over the centuries, this gem has adorned jewellery and been cherished as a protective talisman.
For those born in February, this gemstone can serve as a talisman, bringing good fortune to its wearer.
History of Amethyst
The term "amethyst" originates from the Greek word "Amethstos," meaning "not to be drunk." Both the Greeks and Romans believed that this gemstone had the power to prevent intoxication, a belief that led to the use of amethyst goblets for drinking. It is said that St. Valentine wore a carved amethyst ring featuring the likeness of Cupid. Throughout history, royalty and the clergy have favoured this stone, symbolising both majesty and a connection to Christ. Moreover, amethyst has adorned Catholic crosses due to its association with piety and celibacy.
Despite being a variety of quartz, this gemstone was once considered to be the equal of rubies, emeralds and sapphires. With the discovery of large amethyst deposits in Brazil, the once rare amethyst saw a slip in status. None the less, today amethyst is still the most popular purple gemstone.
The tiara worn by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden shows one of the most spectacular tiaras in the Swedish Royal Tiara collection. This tiara was said to have once belonged to Empress Joséphine, wife of Napoleon I, however, it was originally a necklace. After her granddaughter married into the Swedish Royal family, she brought her grandmother's necklace with her which was later fashioned into this beautiful tiara which is still treasured by the Swedish Royals today.
Amethyst Symbolism and Spirituality
The therapeutic attributes of this gem are commonly linked to promoting restful sleep, with ancient beliefs suggesting that dreaming of amethyst provides protection. Amethyst is believed to possess the ability to cleanse negative thoughts, transforming them into positive ones. This stone is reputed to alleviate stress and assist with anxiety, fostering a serene aura and contributing to inner peace. Additionally, it is deemed beneficial for alleviating work-related stress, as it is thought to enhance communication skills and attract abundance.
Care & Cleaning
Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz found in common substances like sand and dust, is an excellent gemstone for jewellery. Amethyst is rated 7 in the Mohs hardness scale, characterising the scratch resistance of minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material. Due to its good toughness, it is suitable for all types of jewellery, including rings. However, proper care is essential to prevent scratching and ensure durability.
It can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe except in the rare instances where a stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling. Steam cleaning is not recommended, and amethysts should not be subjected to heat.
Celebrity of the Month: Rihanna
Rihanna, a style icon born on February 20th, exhibits a unique approach to jewellery, adorning herself with unparalleled boldness and unapologetic confidence. One standout piece is a stunning Amethyst and Diamond Ring, showcasing her distinctive flair for fashion that sets her apart in the world of glamorous accessories.
We love amethyst, regardless of whether it is your birthstone we believe that there are many benefits attached to this gemstone, such as bringing abundance and cleansing you from negative thoughts. We would recommend looking at a variety of gemstones if amethyst is not the stone for you. With many to choose from at Weir & Sons, we would advise taking your time and choosing a gemstone that you feel drawn to.
