I suppose I should be an expert on amethyst, as my birthday is this month…but I’m not. I enjoyed researching this birthstone and going on my (much-loved) virtual shopping spree. Unlike so many stones which come in a wide range of colors, amethyst really sticks to the purple family, from lavender and lilac to deep purple and red-violet. The amount of iron in the quartz determines the shade of purple. Though I have heard of green amethyst over the years, I learned this is a misnomer. Green amethyst is in fact created by heating a natural amethyst, and its true name is prasiolite. (Click here for a more detailed description.)
Amethyst comes from the Greek word meaning “without drunkenness” and has often been referred to as the sobriety stone. It can be transparent or opaque (didn’t know that!), and it has some potent qualities, such as:
-guards against overindulgence
-aids with curing addictions
-it is “nature’s tranquilizer,” helping soothe the mind and emotions
-brings the wearer balance and peace
-wonderful in meditation, as it opens the channels between realms
-enhances intuition and psychic ability
Having this new knowledge in mind, I set off on my quest for amethyst jewelry. With colored stones currently so en vogue, I was surprised there weren’t more pieces to be found. Many popular jewelry sites I visited didn’t have a single amethyst piece. (What?!) I have a feeling this is going to change with the coming season. I know many designers are amping up their color game. Nonetheless, I found many items I would be very happy to have in my own jewelry box. In no particular order:
Sevan Bicakci pave fish padlock
One of my favorite stones (not surprising given my love of purple). Thanks for the information and the photos. There are a few pieces here I’d love to have!
I have a request for a future blog post: how to blend medical alert jewelry and fitness trackers into your jewelry look. If there is a way, I’m sure you’re the one with the solution.
You ARE a purple-loving girl, Rose! And thanks for the blog post idea–great one. Hmmmm….I’ll have to think about that one! 🙂
Wow, I love the lock(et)!! There are other pieces I really like as well. Who knew these would be hard to find but you certainly found some lovelies!!
That padlock is pretty darn cool!
I really like ametyst!!! It´s so beautiful…i love the jewels and the post!!!
Thanks, Pepot–glad you enjoyed the post!
One of my favorite stones as well! The triangle ring is my favorite, although I would be totally happy with every piece!
You and me both, Melodee!
Have an art nouveau set, pin and bracelet, (silver and giant amethyst), from my mother, and my sister has a sweet,oval amethyst and seed pearl ring from my mother, which was her birthstone; think there might be more amethyst in vintage jewelry.
That’s very possible, Merna. I know stones go in and out of popularity. I, too, have some vintage pieces with amethyst. 🙂
I’m always excited when I see a designer I’ve not yet met in your blog. In this case there are two – Lois Brooks and Ila. What a fun read! Your blog is one of my favorite pick-me-up distractions during the workday. Also, the Sevan Bickaki piece is sublime. Now I’m going to enjoy taking a look at what else Lois Brooks has going on. Great piece, Amy.
Thanks so much, Andrea! I love finding new designers as well. And one of these days, I long to own a Sevan Bicakci piece!!!
I really like the padlock necklace. Nice find! 😀
Thanks, Jane — I love that piece too!