An Appreciation of Amethyst

When seeking a striking look for a piece of jewellery, quartz crystals will always provide a fine option. Few crystals catch the eye quite like the semi-precious stone amethyst. Drape an amethyst necklace around your neck, or sport a pair of stunning amethyst earrings, and you're sure to stop countless partygoers in their tracks.

Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its eye-catching shade of violet, amethyst is considered a deeply spiritual crystal. This stone has long been connected with healing, making it a popular choice for converting to jewellery. If you spot somebody clad in an amethyst necklace, there is likely a reason beyond an appreciation for purple.

Where is amethyst found?

While amethyst is undeniably striking, the stone is not as rare as you may suspect. This does not make amethyst jewellery common – far from it! – but it should set the mind at rest that amethyst can be ethically and sustainably sourced without casualties or questionable practices.

Amethyst stems from geodes, which are hollow voids found inside rocks. The most eye-catching and desirable stones, such as those that make up the centrepiece of an amethyst necklace, will start life in a volcano. The lava found within contains significant levels of silicon dioxide. Reacting to minerals found in the stone, the steady crystallisation into amethyst delights jewellery makers and crystal enthusiasts the world over.

Brazil is the largest exporter of amethyst globally, though Mexico and Uruguay also offer prominent mining potential. Amethyst is also found throughout the USA and Canada, and exquisite gemstones are periodically prised from the Russian mountains. The latter very rarely reach the market for general sale, though. As we'll elaborate upon shortly, amethyst is considered a stone of unrivalled luxury among Russian high society.

What does amethyst represent?

Of course, the attractive aesthetics of amethyst will still attract people who lack an interest in the spiritual realm. There is still plenty to love about the look of the stone in such instances – pure amethyst earrings are an ideal accompaniment for the little black dress that you've been dying to wear.

You'll likely attract a range of approving looks from high society by sporting this stone. British and Russian cultures, in particular, consider amethyst as a symbol of opulence and luxury. Take a look at royal jewellery collections in either of these nations, and you'll find no shortage of amethyst.

Some amethyst enthusiasts also sport this stone to celebrate birthdays or other landmarks. Amethyst is the official birthstone of February, the star sign of Pisces, and the sixth wedding anniversary. There is no escaping the spiritual component of amethyst, though, as countless civilisations have celebrated this stone over the centuries.

Why is amethyst considered spiritual?

While the ancient Egyptians considered amethyst a source of protection in the afterlife, amethyst was frequently considered a source of sobriety and clear thinking in the earliest days of humanity.

Ancient Greeks and Romans alike would consume their wine from amethyst-encrusted cups and goblets, believing the stones would protect them from any baser instincts that led toward over-indulgence. The word "amethyst" hails from a Greek translation of "not drunk." This belief was also adopted in the earliest days of Catholicism, as bishops would don amethyst jewellery – most notably rings – with the view that this would promote behaviour becoming of men of the cloth.

Catholicism is not the only religion that adopted amethyst as an act of symbolism, either. Buddhist monks will often clutch beads of pure amethyst while meditating, believing the stone enhances their union with the universe at large. Christian beliefs, meanwhile, dictate that the deep violet shade of amethyst symbolises the pain that Christ endured during the crucifixion.

The Hebrew term for amethyst – ahlamah – translates as "dream stone." As you can imagine, followers of Judaism link amethyst strongly with powerful and prophetic dreams. The stone features prominently in the Jewish faith, as teachings explain that Aaron – high priest and elder brother of Moses – wore a breastplate that sported amethyst.

What are the healing properties of amethyst jewellery?

If you're weary of talk of spirituality, skip ahead to our final subheading. We claimed at the top of this guide, and we'll repeat ourselves now – there is no shame in simply admiring amethyst for its beauty. An amethyst necklace is not always a protective amulet that denotes unity in mind, body, and spirit, while amethyst earrings can equally be chosen because they complete an ensemble.

For what it's worth, Leonardo Da Vinci – often considered the most intelligent person to walk our earth – claimed that amethyst could sharpen the mind and banish unwelcomed thoughts. If you are interested in learning why amethyst has a reputation as one of nature's great healers, the stone is believed to fulfil the following functions:

• Calm and tranquil mood and mentality, devoid of stress, anxiety, and irritability
• Enhancing awareness of the world around us, including the spiritual realm
• Protection from the impact of alcohol, keeping the mind focused and preventing regrettable actions through intoxication
• Encouraging regular, healthy, and high-quality sleep
• Balancing the hormones within the body and retaining a healthy metabolism while bolstering the immune system

You may feel strongly about these beliefs or consider them hokum and chicanery. Your outlook is entirely your own. Never pass judgment on anybody's choice to wear amethyst jewellery, though. Every decision is equally valid where this stone is concerned.

How to wear amethyst jewellery

Finally, the time has come to assess how you can bring amethyst into your jewellery collection. The crystal is available in various forms, though an amethyst necklace or earrings remain the most commonplace selection.

Indeed, an amethyst necklace is arguably the ultimate year-round accessory. The colour is sure to match dark and light ensembles alike, and the stone itself is tough but pliable. You will not need to worry about damage to your beloved necklace, yet amethyst is often twisted and formed into various shapes before attachment to a pendant.

The same applies to amethyst earrings, which can be worn as striking studs or jaw-dropping drops. Such is the popularity and versatility of this stone; countless jewellery makers create a range of shapes and sizes. Do not sleep on amethyst rings, either. Legend has it that none other than Saint Valentine himself wore such an adornment, making replicas a popular gift to exchange on February 14^th.

Overall, amethyst offers something of a unique combination of meaning, magnificence, and mysticism. Regardless of what you’re seeking in an item of jewellery, amethyst will deliver. The stone will inspire feelings of wellness within, whether due to its unmatched beauty or spiritual significance and draw gasps of admiration from anybody in your orbit.