Amethyst jewellery: so much more than February’s birthstone

For anyone who subscribes to the notion of healing gemstones, amethyst jewellery is a must have. It is said to have healing properties that can boost the immune system, banish stress and help you get a good night’s sleep – Katy Perry swears by it, sleeping with amethysts in her hand.

The calming purple gem was also believed by the Ancient Greeks to banish drunkenness. This is especially good news if you have a birthday this month, as this helpful gemstone is also the birthstone for February. So, before you pop that celebratory cork, make sure you have some close to the skin to help protect yourself against a post-birthday hangover. Or should you be readying yourself to slide back off the wagon after dry January, slip on an amethyst pendant first.

Amethyst jewellery also has connections to love and Valentine’s Day – yet another reason that it is a stone in demand this month. Saint Valentine of Rome, the 3^rd century saint after whom the annual celebration of love on February 14^th is named, is said to have worn an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid. On the list of traditional wedding anniversary gifts, amethyst is ascribed to sixth and 23^rd wedding anniversaries; another of the supposed healing properties of amethyst is an ability to calm passionate lovers.

At the time Saint Valentine wore his carved amethyst ring, the stone would have been incredibly expensive – as much as fine rubies and emeralds. However, the discovery of a large deposit in Brazil in the 19^th century made the gemstone more affordable. As such, its rich purple hues have been popular with jewellery designers as a way to inject vibrant colours into designs.

If you need another reason to consider a talismanic piece of amethyst jewellery – other than its beauty – let us direct you to the musings of 15^th century astrologer Camillo Leonardi, another Italian obsessed with the gem. He kept one on his person at all times, believing it to ward off evil energies while making him more intelligent.

While we can’t guarantee amethyst will make you smarter, calmer and more sober, we do promise that a well-looked after piece of amethyst jewellery will be an investment in the future – and a blast of colour therapy that will lift your mood in a flash.

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