Amethyst

The weird and the wonderful

The name is said to derive from the Greek word amethystos, which loosely translates as 'not drunken', which in turn is believed to originate from the Greek legend of Dionysus, the god of wine and mischief.

It was believed that wearing Amethyst would prevent you from suffering the adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption - so, in order to prevent intoxication, drinks were often taken from Amethyst-encrusted goblets.

The birthstone for February, amethyst jewellery is often given as a 6th wedding anniversary gift.

History in a nutshell

In the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia, amethyst was highly valued and used to create seals. In the early Christian church, amethyst was believed to have sobering properties, and was adopted as a symbol of the high spiritual state its bishops must attain – today the highest grade of amethyst is referred to as ‘Bishops Grade’.

The Chaldean Magi believed the purple gemstone protected against evil sorcery and brought success and good luck, believing it granted an understanding of hidden knowledge.

Traditionally associated with purity and piety, amethyst has long been favoured by royalty as purple is considered a regal hue.

Popular in the 19th century, it was a favourite gemstone of the Art Nouveau movement.

Om Shanti

Amethyst works emotionally and spiritually by providing patience, balance, calmness, and peace.

Considered a protection stone, it is believed to attract strength and offer protection from bad dreams, stress and the draining of energy.

Amethyst can open and activate the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, and can also open the heart chakra.