Birthstone jewelry has become a favorite trend over the years, and with it being right smack in the middle of February, it’s the perfect time to talk about the beautiful February gemstone - amethyst.
This exquisite purple quartz can show off your individualism or make an excellent addition to a Family Necklace With Birthstones. Check out these amazing facts about amethyst!
You Can Trace the Amethyst Back to the Greeks
The history of amethyst can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece. It was believed to have gotten its color from being stained by wine from the god Bacchus and at one time was thought to fight against intoxication. Today, many still believe it offers support in celibacy, holiness, and the avoidance of drunkenness.
Royals Love Amethyst
For centuries, amethyst has been a prized gem for its vibrant purple coloring. It ranges in color from the lightest lavenders to the deepest of purples. Typically, the more profound the purple coloring, the more the amethyst is prized.
Amethyst Is a Special Quartz
Amethyst is a variation of one of the most common semi-precious stones in the world: quartz. Found all over the world, the two largest producers of these unique gems are two countries - Brazil and Zambia.
Amethysts Vary in Value
For centuries, amethyst was included among the most valuable gems (such as diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire). However, after more extensive deposits were found, the market value diminished. The beauty, of course, did not diminish with the market price. Deep Russian amethyst (the highest grade of amethyst) is incredibly rare, and, therefore, continues to carry strong monetary value.
Amethyst Has Multiple Meanings
Amethyst, like many precious gems, has a rich history of symbolism around it. This symbolism is what makes it so popular to include in family necklaces with birthstones. The amethyst is said to help calm anger, promote bravery, stimulate your wit, strengthen your bonds of love, protect you from evil, cure insomnia, and make you sharper in business matters. In the past, believers in the power of gems wore amethyst to indicate their loyalty and faith. Not only does this gem make a great addition to your family necklace with birthstones, a birthstone ring for those born in February, or simply a beautiful addition to your jewelry collection, but it also serves as the jewelry milestone gift for both the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
Amethysts Need Special Care
Like many gemstones, amethysts require specific care. To avoid discoloration, make sure to keep it away from:
• Heat
• Sunlight
• Hairspray
• Household Cleaners (and other chemicals)
When you need to clean your amethyst jewelry of grime and dirt, you should always use a mild dish soap solution with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Once finished, dry the jewel with a soft towel.
Like All Gems, Know Your Stone Before You Purchase
When purchasing an amethyst, there are four primary characteristics to consider:
• Cut - In most cases, the amethyst cut is made to maximize the color of the gem. However, in some situations, the wrong cut can lessen the intensity of the stone’s color.
• Color - When purchasing an amethyst, the overall appearance as you turn the gemstone in natural light will determine its quality. The more vibrant the overall coloring, the rarer and more valuable the stone.
• Hardness - The Mohs scale determines the durability of all gemstones. This measurement indicates the gem’s hardness and resistance to surface scratching. An amethyst measures at a hardness level of 7.
• Heat Treatment - Amethysts are often treated with heat to deepen their color artificially. Unlike natural amethysts that fade over time, gems that are heat-treated will retain their deeper coloring as long as the gemstone avoids extreme heat. When making your purchase, always ask if (and how) the stone has been treated.
Color Changing Treatments Can Change the Stone
An intriguing fact about amethysts is that heat or irradiation treatments can change the purple coloring to brown, orange, or shades of yellow. In fact, with the right approach, you can alter an amethyst into a yellow citrine!
Want to learn even more about gemstones? If so, call the experts at Lovable Keepsake Gifts today at 201-403-5194 and we can answer any questions you have!
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