Forgotten history of birthstone jewellery: Amethyst

February’s Birthstone Amethyst represents courage, intelligence and calm

Catherine Hills Jewellery Amethyst birthstone ball and chain pendant necklace

Story of February’s Birthstone Amethyst

Catherine Hills Jewellery Amethyst birthstone pollen stud earrings

February’s birthstone amethyst translates in Greek to ‘amethystos’ which means ‘not drunken’ or ‘sober’. Some believe that amethyst can inhibit intoxication in all who wear it!

How are Amethyst’s Formed?

Catherine Hills Jewellery Amethyst birthstone pollen charm cluster pendant necklace

Amethyst is a quartz which is found in cooled lava.

History and Meaning of Amethysts

Catherine Hills Jewellery Amethyst birthstone swirlilng sepal charm

Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian Renaissance artist and scientist believed that wearing an amethyst could increase intelligence.

Amethyst is associated with royalty. In folklore a dream of being an amethyst is thought to bring good look and a dream of giving an amethyst is thought to be a symbol of forgiveness of the recipient.

Colours of Amethysts

Catherine Hills Jewellery February cabinet of curiosities

Amethysts come in a huge array of purples from a reddish purple to a bluish lilac. The most prized amethysts are a deep true purple which is what I’ve used in my new birthstone Satsuma amethyst studs.

Catherine Hills Jewellery Amethyst birthstone Satsuma stud earrings

Februrary's birthstone amethyst