Amethyst is purple quartz, with hues that can range from lilac to deep violet, calling to mind the richness found in a glass of wine. Often associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, the name “amethyst” comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “not intoxicated.” It was believed that those who wore amethyst jewelry would be protected from the effects of drunkenness.
As the birthstone for February, amethyst has come to represent true love, a clear mind, and quick-wittedness.
HISTORY
Amethyst naturally became a must-have for many royal families throughout history due to the traditional association of the color purple with nobility and wealth. The gem was often fitted into parures or matching sets of jewelry, which consisted of a tiara, earrings, two bracelets, a brooch, and a necklace. These royal parures were worn by noblewomen throughout history and were often passed down as gifts with each succession of power.
Amethyst is also a common gemstone used in episcopal rings, worn by Roman Catholic bishops to show that they are in service and are effectively “wedded to the church.” St. Valentine, who served as a bishop of Interamna, was said to have worn an amethyst ring at all times. Legends say that he had the ring engraved with an image of cupid as a way to identify himself to guards during his travels.
FAMOUS AMETHYSTS IN HISTORY
The Kent Amethysts
First owned by the Duchess of Kent, the Kent Amethysts entered the British royal family during the first half of the 19th century. The demi-parure set consists of a necklace, two hair combs, earrings, and three brooches but does not feature a tiara. The set would eventually be inherited by Queen Elizabeth II, who has only ever worn the entire demi-parure once, during a visit to Portugal in 1984.
The Napoleonic Amethyst Parure
Known also as the Swedish Amethyst Parure, this stunning set of amethyst jewelry is one of many pieces collected from the French Court by the predecessors of today’s Swedish royal family. Despite the name, the Napoleonic Amethyst Parure is not a full set, originally consisting of a necklace, matching bracelets, earrings, a brooch, and a corsage ornament. The demi-parure would later be redesigned by Queen Silvia in 1976, transforming the impressive but bulky necklace into a tiara and joining the two bracelets into a single link necklace.
CARING FOR YOUR AMETHYST
Though amethyst ranks highly on the hardness scale, care should still be taken to protect your jewelry from scratches and general wear over time. Store each piece separately in a soft cloth or padded container to protect the surface of the gemstones.
Wash your jewelry with warm soapy water and allow it to air-dry fully before storing or wearing. Amethyst with darker or rarer hues should be protected from long amounts of sun exposure, as their color may fade over time.
As with all jewelry, have your amethyst inspected by a GIA professional jeweler at least once a year. Visit either of our Morgantown, WV, or Uniontown, PA locations to have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected by one of the Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry GIA Accredited Jewelry Professionals.
During the month of February, enjoy 10% off loose amethysts from our wide selection of gemstones.