Prestige Promenade pearls and sweets
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1429031
104 www.thejewelrybook.com February Amethyst is the purple variety of Quartz and the February birthstone. It forms in brilliant 6-sided prism crystals where the strong purple color is concentrated at the tips while the rest of the crystal fades to colorless. Up until the 19th century the primary source of Amethyst in the ancient world was Russia and it was equal in value to Ruby. It would adorn royalty and clergy who loved it for its rich purple color which is said to represent purity of spirit. Legend says that St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring with the image of cupid carved in it as he defi ed the Roman emperors' orders and married couples who were forbidden to marry. The lore associated with Amethyst has to be some of the best in the gem world. Because of its color Amethyst is often associated with Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. A French poem written in 1576 describes the events that led to the creation of Amethyst. Bacchus was in a rage and decided the fi rst mortal he came across would be devoured by his tigers. His would-be victim was the pure and beautiful Amethyst who was on her way to worship the goddess Diana. When Diana discovered Bacchus's plot, she turned Amethyst into a pure clear stone to protect her from the tigers. Bacchus, recognizing his cruelty poured his wine over the stone as an act of repentance. Giving Amethyst its purple color and allowing for its association with wine. The name Amethyst is derived from Amethystos, a Greek word meaning "not drunk." It was very common in ancient Greece to have wine goblets made of amethyst. It was believed to reduce the effects of alcohol and make you wise in your business dealings. I think the other benefi t might be that you can drink water while your guests drink wine, and nobody is the wiser. Wearing an amethyst is believed to have the same sobering effect, so cheers to Amethyst. Assael Amethyst Alex Sepkus Amethyst Fall 2021 | Birthstones