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EditorsFeb 08, 2016
February Birthstone Baubles
This month celebrates the purple stone that once was considered just as valuable as rubies, emeralds and sapphires and was set in crowns for ages. Here are 7 pieces of jewelry centered on amethyst.
I love amethyst. In its purest forms it embodies the color purple, not to mention the fact that amethyst geodes can grow to be as large as a person. (I’ve been trying to figure out how to get a “me-sized” geode back to New York from Tucson since my first trip to the gem shows.)
Amethyst is sought after now for jewelry because it’s so affordable and can be found in such large sizes. But, before large quantities were discovered, amethyst was considered to be equal in value to rubies, emeralds and sapphires. For ages, the finest stones were set in religious jewels and royal crown jewels, according to the GIA’s Gem Encyclopedia.
The encyclopedia also mentioned something else that I thought was interesting—because of amethyst’s wine-like color, Greeks associated the stone with Bacchus, the god of wine, and thereby thought wearing amethyst prevented drunkenness.
According to other lore, amethyst was believed to keep its wearer clear-headed and quick-witted.
Whether or not people find any of this to be true, I’m glad we can celebrate the purple stone all month.
Here are seven pieces of amethyst jewelry for our February babies.
Anzie’s Boheme Dew Drop bracelet features round amethyst beads strung together with a sterling silver Dew Drop charm on a stretchy cord ($150).
The “Island” bracelet from Ed Levin Jewelry features a faceted amethyst set in sterling silver and 14-karat yellow gold ($528).
These are Jane Taylor’s single-drop hanging earrings with custom-cut lavender amethyst baguettes in 14-karat rose gold ($935).
The Mini Ring from Arya Esha’s Galaxy collection, featuring amethyst and diamonds set in recycled 18-karat gold ($1,050)
This is the “Jennifer Yamina” necklace from Dana Rebecca Designs, featuring amethyst and diamond accents set in 14-karat rose gold ($1,100).
This necklace from Meira T features rough amethyst and diamond on a chain with pave diamond discs and white gold diamond bezels, made in 14-karat gold ($1,450).
Stuller’s 14-karat yellow gold checkerboard amethyst and diamond earrings ($1,677)
Dilamani’s ring features a 5.40-carat marquise-shaped amethyst, 0.29 carats of amethyst accent stones and 0.49 carats of diamond accents set in 14-karat rose gold ($3,000).
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