February Birthstone Highlight: Amethyst

Amethysts have been prized gemstones since the time of the ancient Greeks. In fact, the origin of the purple gemstone’s name is derived from the Greek word “amethystos.” This translates to “remedy against drunkenness.” Greeks associated this gemstone with the wine god, Bacchus, because of its grape-like color. They believed that wearing amethyst could keep you clear-headed and quick-witted, and protect you from drunkenness. Their wine goblets were made or decorated with amethyst to ward off the effects of their drinking. They weren’t the only ones to cherish amethyst though. Purple has always been regarded as a regal color, so amethysts have been seen in religious and royal jewelry too. Buddhists believed amethyst powers helped guide meditation and used the stone in their prayer beads. Even today, some amethysts decorate the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst was regarded in similar fashion to other precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, until the 1800’s. After a large deposit of amethyst was found in Brazil, the gemstone’s financial value significantly changed. Amethyst is still considered a semi-precious gemstone, and the Brazilian deposit allows for larger amethysts to be used more often in jewelry.