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February -  Amethyst
is the Birthstone
By DeNise Bowers 'Jewelry, Gemology & Gift Guru',
Village Jeweler in Sedona, AZ

According to Greek mythology, Amethyst was a young virgin who became the object of wrath of the Greek God Dionysus after he became intoxicated with red wine. When Amethyst cried out to Goddess Diana for help, she immediately turned the girl into a white, shimmering stone (quartz). When Dionysus realized what had happened and felt remorse for his actions, his tears dripped into his goblet of red wine. The goblet overturned, and the red wine spilled all over the white rock, saturating it until it became the purple quartz that is now known as Amethyst.  Amethyst comes from the Greek word for intoxication, “methy.”  ”A-methy-stos” means, roughly, “someone that does not get drunk,” and the Greeks thought amethyst to be an antidote against drunkenness (which is why wine goblets were often carved from it).  I have not been able to find a genuine Amethyst goblet to put this theory to teat, so I have to rely on moderation when sipping red wine.

Amethyst is found all over the world and is mined in abundance in Brazil and Uruguay.  It is also commercially mined in Canada, Pakistan, Madagascar and South Africa.  Some of the finest highest grade amethyst comes from Russia and is called “Deep Russian.”

Amethyst is purple quartz, which can range from pale often called “Rose De France” to very deep violet and is a hardness of 7 on the hardness scale which is great for everyday wear.  Anyone can wear Amethyst.  It used to be known as the “bishops stone” as it was worn my men of faith. It is said to be a meditative and calming stone. Some say that it works in the emotional, spiritual, and physical planes to provide calm, balance, patience, and peace. Amethyst is also said to be beneficial when dealing with legal problems and money issues, which can lead to prosperity and abundance. It has been worn to help heal personal losses and grief. Amethyst has a gently sedative energy that promotes peacefulness, happiness, and contentment. It also brings emotional stability and inner strength, and can enhance flexibility and cooperation.

Amethyst jewelry should be cleaned periodically as rings will collect soap, oil and dirt underneath and between the prongs. Film from lotions and skin oils will dull Amethyst and reduce its brilliance. Its color and brilliance can be restored by cleaning in a gentle dish-washing liquid and a soft brush.  Rinsing in warm water and drying with a soft cloth will return your Amethyst jewelry to its former pristine condition.

DeNise Bowers is the owners of Village Jewelers in Sedona, Arizona. DeNise is an award winning Graduate Designer with certificates from Gemological Institute of America also in Diamonds, Diamond grading, Jewelry sales and Pearls. Learn more at www.VillageJeweler.Biz

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DeNise Bowers discusses
Amethyst!