February is already here, and the Jewelry on Etsy Team celebrates the month offering you many lovely selections that feature the February birthstone, amethyst! Its name comes from the ancient Greek word “amethystos”, meaning “sober” - amethysts were thought to keep people from getting drunk!
The beautiful amethyst pieces shown above represent just a few of the wonderful jewelry designs offered by members of the JET team - there are many more! Clockwise from main picture, are: 1. Amethyst Lariat Necklace by Foret; 2. Amethyst and Gold Wrap Bracelet from LeesEarringBoutique, 3. Amethyst Earrings by EveryDayaPromise, and 4. an Amethyst and Silver Bracelet from NancysCrystalFantasi
Amethyst is actually a type of quartz, and comes in many shades of purple. It is found in many places, and in many forms all around the world. Its distinctive color is produced by traces of iron in the quartz, and that color can be anything from a very pale lilac to a very dark purple. In 3. below you can see a beautiful amethyst stalactite slice from GemUnderground, a wonderful example of naturally-occurring amethyst. Raw amethyst can be exceptionally beautiful! The stunning pendant at 1. below from BeadzNBling features a raw amethyst geode stone.
Amethyst has always been considered a gemstone, and this status dates back to the days of ancient Egypt, Babylon, and other ancient civilisations! It was included in pieces of jewelry that were made then, as well as being incorporated into ornate items such as chalices and goblets. Believed by many throughout history to ward off evil thoughts, this beautiful gemstone has also been thought to increase intelligence, bring calm and inner peace, and to aid in living a life of holiness!
This stunning stone was also set into the breastplate worn by the high priest in ancient Israel, and has been incorporated in royal vestments throughout centuries - its deep purple color has long been considered a royal hue. The deep purple chunky earrings shown at 2. below were made by CapitalCityCrafts and are a great example!
There are so many more fascinating things to learn about amethyst, why not check them out! Meanwhile, be sure to peek in a shop from the Jewelry on Etsy Team to find beautiful amethyst jewelry items to wear and to give as gifts.
Happy Shopping!
Laurie
16 comments :
How informative. Great post. Love your choices for examples.
Fascinating article - I had no idea amethyst was thought to increase intelligence, so now I have the mother of all reasons to buy some amethyst jewellery!!!
Wonderful information, beautifully presented and perfectly illustrated with gorgeous jewelry!
Interesting!!! Thank you!!!
Love amethyst! Thanks for the informative post!
Amethysts are lovely...one of my favorite stones. Beautiful jewelry, as well!
Ah, amethyst--one of my favorite gemstones and the birthstone of my husband and daughter-in-law. And it is so pretty in combination with my birthstone, the peridot. Your article is so informative and interesting. I love reading the historical information about the gemstones. And the pieces are so beautifully chosen and presented.
Amethyst is such a beautiful stone. Love purple and try to create with it as much as possible. Great article and lovely example of Artsan work.
So nice to see a feature on Amethyst with such wonderful examples. Not only is Amethyst beautiful, but it also is thought to be a powerful stone for opening the Crown Chakra for spiritual awakening. Namaste.
Great info, and I do love amethyst... the one thing that stuck in my mind about the stone was that it guards against drunkenness... so in my wild younger years, I wore an antique amethyst ring, just in case, lol ;)
Who doesn't like amethyst? I don't know anyone. Great article!
great post on a lovely gemstone!
Beautiful amethyst jewelry!
I love amethyst! Very informative article.
Laurie Thanks so much for enlightening us on one of my favorite stones!It's my Mom's birthstone so I saw it all the time as a child, so when I started making jewelry I constantly used it! One thin I'm quite happy with is that it's so beautiful but still so affordable!
Such gorgeous jewelry examples! Love reading more about a special favorite gem.
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