Amethyst comes from the quartz family of stones, but has a special place in folklore due to its purple tones. Purple has been the traditional colour of royalty, due to the rarity of purple pigments until recent centuries and as a result purple amethyst has long been favoured by royal dynasties and is often found in royal jewel collections. But amethyst’s history extends into the ancient era, where it was described by the Greeks as a stone that was “not drunken” - most likely due to its wine-like colour and its association with Bacchus, the God of Wine in Greek mythology.
The supposed powers of amethyst are varied – it is said to protect the wearer in battle, to ward off drunkenness, to prevent poisoning, to aid in hunting, even to aid in business transactions. It’s also favoured as a way to reinforce love and offer protection, which makes it an ideal gift for a loved one. Regardless of the mystical powers it is said to possess, amethyst is a richly coloured stone that can be used on any occasion or for everyday wear. The colour can range from a cool blue to a warm purple tone, and goes particularly well with white gold settings.
Amethyst sources are varied; it can be found in Canada, the US, Russia, Southeast Asia, South America and Africa, and each source has a particular crystal structures and range of colours that distinguish them.
If you are looking for a special gift this Valentine’s Day, or for a loved one who is celebrating a February birthday, be sure to visit La Mine d’Or to browse our selection of beautiful amethyst pieces.
