For centuries, jewelry lovers and historians have been enchanted by the charm of Amethyst, the official birthstone of February.
This enchanting purple gemstone is associated with love and passion - in addition to inner peace and spirituality. Long used across many cultures over the centuries, Amethyst has been a popular, and sometimes revered, gemstone with a rich history.
There are many reasons to love Amethyst, but here are my top five reasons -
Reason #1: Amethyst is THE purple gemstone
The top reason is it is a stunningly beautiful gemstone! Its purple colors can range from a light lilac to a deep, intense, royal purple - sometimes with a bit of brownish coloring. Surprising to many, Amethysts are a member of the Quartz family. Slices and Geodes of Amethyst make stunning specimens to collect.
Gemstones of purple Amethyst layered with white quartz form striking patterns for jewelry, as you can see with the specimen stones I use for my Amethyst Solitaire Necklaces.
It’s almost impossible to have a complete jewelry collection without having at least one necklace or a pair of Amethyst earrings. Everyone needs these purple stones in their wardrobe!
Reason #2: Amethyst Is the Couple’s Stone - revered on Valentine’s Day
For hundreds of years, February 14th has been celebrated as Valentine’s Day in honor of love. Legend has it that Roman Emperor Claudius II was having a difficult time getting married soldiers to join his military, so he banned all marriages. Valentine defied the Emperor’s ban and continued to perform the ritual for couples in secret. According to Roman lore, Valentine wore a sparkling purple Amethyst ring with a Cupid carved on it - which helped the Roman soldiers recognize him.
The story of Saint Valentine, Cupid, forbidden marriage & romance - along with the fabled Amethyst ring - all helped Amethyst become known as the “couple’s stone”. Who doesn’t love a stone with such a harrowing but romantic past?
Reason #3: Amethyst is for love, passion and romance
We can’t count the reasons to love Amethyst without including that Amethyst stands for love, passion and romance! The perfect stone to gift to your loved ones, use for your wedding as the bride or gift to your bridesmaids as a token of your love for them. Or simply wear Amethyst jewelry for its beauty.
According to Greek mythology, a beautiful maiden named Amethystos was believed to have rebuffed Dionysus, the God of Wine. Legend has it that the maiden prayed to her Gods - resulting in her transformation into a white crystal stone. Dionysus, moved by grief, was said to have poured wine on the white stone turning it purple.
When you add in the initial story of St Valentine, and all the other folklore about Amethyst, it’s no wonder it’s become synonymous with love, passion and romance!
Reason #4: Amethyst celebrates multiple Wedding Anniversaries
While it is primarily known as February’s birthstone, Amethyst is much more! Given its connection to love, it’s no surprise that Amethyst is used to celebrate more than one wedding anniversary. Amethyst is said to possess the energy of love and passion - it is believed to strengthen the bond and nurture a deep emotional connection between two lovers. As such, it’s used to celebrate both 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries!
Reason #5: Amethysts can bring you peace
It is said that Amethyst enhances intuition and spirituality, providing inner peace and calm. What more can you ask from this beautiful and naturally purple stone?
Takeaway
Amethyst is more than just a purple stone. I love its variety of purples, the uniqueness of its white quartz banding and its captivating history and lore. With everything going for it, there are many reasons to wear this beautiful gemstone.
If you are looking for a thoughtful Amethyst jewelry gift option, I would be more than happy to help you pick the perfect Amethyst jewelry for you or your loved one that will be cherished forever - just browse my February birthstone jewelry Collection or contact me about a custom jewelry design!
Do you know other interesting stories about Amethysts? I would love to hear from you! Drop me a note!
