Its name originates from the Greek word "ametusthos" meaning "not" and "intoxicate" and, as such, lead to the belief that amethyst could protect its wearer from intoxication and seduction. Wine goblets were often carved of amethyst as a hopeful antidote to the state of drunkeness.
Did you know that amethyst is the official gemstone of South Carolina?
The biggest value factor in amethyst is its color, the most valued being deep purple with flashes of red. Prior to the 19th century amethyst was as expensive as precious gemstones.
The discovery of large deposits of amethyst in Brazil changed that. Amethyst is also found and mined in South Korea, Austria, Russia, India and Zambia internationally. Domestically amethyst can be found in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
"Rose de France" is a light lavender/lilac shade of the purple amethyst.
Beautiful ametrine is the bicolor variety that is half citrine and half amethyst that is found in Bolivia.
Interestingly, lore has it that amethyst was the stone of St. Valentine! He wore an amethyst ring carved in the image of Cupid. Amethyst is considered a stone of love, by the way.
See our AMETHYST COLLECTION:
https://doolittlejewelry.com/collections/amethyst-jewelry-february-birthstone-jewelry
