Amethyst, a variety of quartz, is prominently recognized as the birthstone for February. Revered for its captivating purple hue, amethyst has held a significant place in history, lore, and modern jewelry. This article will delve into the gemstone’s meaning, historical context, and the craftsmanship surrounding it, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Amethyst’s history is interwoven with beliefs surrounding clarity, peace, and wisdom. Sources indicate that the gemstone is associated with calming the mind and emotions, promoting balance, and aiding spiritual awareness. The Janma Ratna collection, featuring all twelve birthstones, highlights amethyst’s role as a personal talisman, radiating exquisite craftsmanship and intended for both everyday wear and special occasions. Historically, garnet is believed to boost energy, promote self-confidence, and protect against negativity, while amethyst is known for its calming properties.
The association of amethyst with February is a relatively modern convention, though the stone’s use dates back millennia. The provided sources do not detail ancient origins beyond its general symbolic meaning. However, the emphasis on its benefits – clarity, peace, and wisdom – suggests a long-held appreciation for its perceived metaphysical properties.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not contain information regarding the geological formation of amethyst or specific mining locations. They focus primarily on the finished jewelry pieces and the gemstone’s symbolic meaning. Therefore, details about its formation processes, crystal structures, or geological origins cannot be included.
Gemological Properties
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and the sources specify that jewelry is crafted using solid 18K gold and amethyst gemstones. The sources do not provide details regarding the chemical formula, refractive index, or specific gravity of amethyst. However, the descriptions of the jewelry emphasize the natural brilliance of the stone, particularly when set in classic prong designs or encircled by cubic zirconia (CZ) stones to enhance its sparkle.
The sources showcase amethyst in various cuts, including oval and marquise shapes. The jewelry is often crafted in 18ct Gold Vermeil or solid 18K gold, available in rose gold and white gold variations. The size of the amulets is noted as 0.433"(11mm). The sources also provide ring size charts for US, China, Japan, EU, and UK measurements, as well as necklace and bracelet length information, though these relate to the jewelry settings rather than the gemstone itself.
A table summarizing necklace and bracelet lengths is provided below:
| NECKLACE LENGTH (CM) | NECKLACE LENGTH (IN) | BRACELET WRIST (CM) | BRACELET LENGTH (IN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 - 65 | 16.5 - 24.5 | 16 | 6.3 |
| 17 | 6.7 | ||
| 18 | 7.1 | ||
| 19 | 7.5 | ||
| 20 | 7.9 | ||
| 21 | 8.3 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources consistently emphasize the symbolic meaning of amethyst. It is associated with clarity, peace, and wisdom. These attributes are believed to promote balance and aid in spiritual awareness. The Janma Ratna collection specifically highlights these benefits, positioning amethyst as a gemstone that offers protection, stability, and vitality. The Eight Point Star, a recurring motif in the collection, symbolizes balance, harmony, and cosmic connection, further reinforcing the stone’s spiritual significance.
The sources also link amethyst to emotional balance, loyalty, boosting intuition, promoting patience, and compassion. These associations suggest a rich history of metaphysical beliefs surrounding the gemstone, though the origins of these beliefs are not detailed within the provided materials.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific instructions for the care and cleaning of amethyst jewelry. However, the Stone Story Jewellery Care Guide is referenced, suggesting that general jewelry care principles apply. Given that the jewelry is crafted with sterling silver and gold, standard practices for cleaning these metals would be appropriate. The sources do not specify any particular sensitivity of amethyst to cleaning agents or environmental factors.
Jewelry Styles and Craftsmanship
The sources showcase a diverse range of amethyst jewelry styles, primarily focusing on pendants and earrings. Astley Clarke features a Gold Amethyst Birthstone Pendant Necklace crafted in 18ct Gold Vermeil with a marquise-shaped pendant on a bobble chain. Stone Story Jewellery offers an Amethyst birthstone pendant necklace set in 925 sterling silver with a halo of CZ stones. UNICEF USA presents a selection of amethyst dangle earrings, while Kristien Surya offers a variety of designs within the Janma Ratna collection, crafted in solid 18K gold.
The craftsmanship is consistently described as “handmade with love,” emphasizing the attention to detail and passion invested in each piece. The Janma Ratna collection specifically highlights the expertise of artisans in selecting and setting the birthstones. The use of ethically sourced materials and sustainable practices is also emphasized through the ECO-LOVE Program.
Purchasing and Shipping Information
Several sources provide details regarding purchasing and shipping. Astley Clarke offers a 2-year warranty and international delivery with varying shipping costs depending on the destination. Stone Story Jewellery provides free shipping for prepaid orders within India and a shipping fee for Cash on Delivery orders. UNICEF USA offers shipping options and return charges for international customers. Kristien Surya provides detailed information on necklace, bracelet, and anklet sizing, as well as shipping and return policies.
Conclusion
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is a gemstone steeped in symbolism and appreciated for its captivating purple hue. The available sources highlight its association with clarity, peace, wisdom, and spiritual awareness. Crafted into a variety of jewelry styles using materials like sterling silver and 18K gold, amethyst continues to be a cherished gemstone for both its aesthetic beauty and its perceived metaphysical properties. While the sources do not provide comprehensive gemological details or historical origins, they offer a valuable glimpse into the enduring appeal of this remarkable stone.