Amazing Amethyst, birthstone for February

If you're familiar with the Is This Mutton? monthly guide to the birthstones, you'll know they all have ancient legends and meanings behind them.  Perhaps the best known for this is the amethyst, the birthstone for February. Many people are convinced of the healing properties of amethyst, among them, Victoria Beckham, and have it in their homes or on computers, as well as in jewellery.
According to Greek mythology, Amethyst was a young virgin who became the object of wrath of the Greek god Dionysus after he became intoxicated with red wine. When Amethyst cried out to Goddess Diana for help, she immediately turned the girl into a white, shimmering stone (quartz).

When Dionysus realized what had happened and felt remorse for his actions, his tears dripped into his goblet of red wine. The goblet overturned, and the red wine spilled all over the white rock, saturating it until it became the purple quartz that is now known as Amethyst. The stone is still said today to protect against drunkenness.

Many claims are made for this violet, purple or mauve stone. It's said to insomnia, placed under your pillow; it helps meditation when worn as a necklace, and guards against self deception and witchcraft. If you want a calmer family - always useful at Christmas - put amethyst clusters, or several tumbled Amethysts, in moonlight and everyone in the home will be feeling more relaxed.

Amethyst cluster 

Tumbled amethyst

Different types of Amethyst

Amethyst became relatively inexpensive after large deposits were found in many places in the 1800s. Before then, it had been prized for rarity.Where it is mined often determines its colour and value. or example, Amethyst from Uruguay has a deep purplish-blue colour, as does Amethyst from Arizona.

Amethyst from Russia, colloquially known as "Siberian Amethyst", is very deeply coloured with reddish and bluish tints. It originates from deposits that have since been exhausted and therefore command a high price.

Amethyst is faceted into many cuts, and is used in all forms of jewellery including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. As with all gemstones, the cost goes up when it is crafted with expensive metals and other stones such as diamonds.

There is also controversy around some of the colours available. Many pale pink "amethyst" are not even amethyst at all, or may be heavily heat treated to achieve that colour.  But there is a pale pink grade known as "Rose de France," although the criteria is extremely tough, as Gemporia explains here.

The beautiful ring at the top of the page, in 18k rose gold, features a total weight of 2.75ct of amethyst with a centre stone surrounded by a pave set with 172 pieces of amethyst. Retail price is $4,295 from Tycoon.

Many large gems weighing several hundred carats have been cut from Amethyst. Ornamental objects are occasionally also carved from large pieces. Lower quality Amethyst is an important bead gem and can also be cut into cabochons. Tumbled beads of purple Amethyst mixed with white Quartz are also used as necklaces and bracelets.

Discover the stories behind the birthstones in the Is This Mutton? series

Garnet, January;  Amethyst, February; Aquamarine, March; Diamond or Bloodstone; April; Emerald, May; Pearl, June; Moonstone, June; Ruby;  July; Peridot, August; Sapphire and Opal, October; Topaz, November;  Tanzanite, December

Check out our Pinterest jewellery board, which features more jewellery than can be shown on the blog.