Amazing Amethyst: February's Lovely Lilac Birthstone

Violet Purple Amethyst Gemstone Necklace by bespangledjewelry on Etsy

I find amethyst to be one of the most wonderfully intriguing gemstones; it simply boggles the mind that a stone this color could come out of the ground and be so alluring and such a rich and amazing color naturally!  I mean, it's a rock for crying out loud!!

This pretty purple rock is a variety of transparent quartz and is the birthstone associated with the month of February. It comes in a wide range of purples, from a very pale almost colorless version to a deep dark purple which has been popular among royalty and religious leaders for centuries. Somewhere in the middle of this color spectrum is a soft lilac color that reminds me of a pair of strappy high heel shoes my Grandma used to wear so she could reach the 5-foot tall mark :)

Amethyst Faceted Rectangular Pillow beads
by bespangledbeads on Etsy

Among the beliefs that amethyst holds certain magical powers and the ability to open up the third eye and heighten awareness, is the assertion that amethyst quartz crystals have the ability to lessen the effects of alcohol.  In fact, the very name 'amethyst' comes from the ancient Greek word amethystos, meaning not drunken.

Now, I'm not sure why, but this seems a little funny to me...perhaps because I picture some ancient Greek dude carrying around a couple of chunks of amethyst in his toga pocket ( - I'm almost positive that togas would have pockets - ) and coming back home to his wife after a night on the town with his ancient Greek buddies, convinced that he seems much less drunk than he actually is because he's been carrying around some purple stones the whole time.

Well, I digress. Aside from the silly connotations that its nomenclature implies, amethyst is a truly amazing gemstone and I plan to continue designing pretty things with it often!

// Shop Amethyst, February Birthstone Jewelry by bespangledjewelry on Etsy //

Treasury Time: Inspired by Amethyst

A beautiful collection of finds from Etsy, inspired by February's lovely birthstone, Amethyst!  Collection is courtesy of Jezebellamina and features all manner of handmade items, photography, beads, and more... in gorgeous tones of lavender, purple, violet, wisteria, and grape.

// Shop amethyst jewelry by bespangledjewelry on Etsy //

// Read more about February's birthstone Amethyst //

Birthstones. What's the Deal?

Birthstone Rings from Lunasa Designs on Etsy

The idea of Birthstones is interesting to me.  I didn't really think about it until recently, as I was writing about January's Birthstone Garnet, but I started to wonder why certain stones were chosen for certain months...and how the whole thing came about.

So, with a little time on my hands and easy access to the incredible interwebs, I thought I'd see what I could come up with!  Here goes:

Apparently, between 1400-1600 in Poland it became popular to wear specific gemstones for their astrological significance to the wearer and not just the beauty or color of the stone. Each gemstone was believed to hold special powers, which were strongest during the month it was assigned to. People believed that wearing these stones would empower them with certain special abilities, so they worked toward a collection of all twelve stones to be sure they could wear the right stone each month. 

The particular stones associated with the wearer's month of birth had importance for that person throughout the year, and in particular during certain astrological events (you know, like when the moon passes into the House of Aquarius...or something).

A Birthstone list with associated months was released in 1912 by the Jeweler's Association of America and was agreed upon as the modern standard worldwide.  As you will see, some months have more than one recognized Birthstone!

• January - Garnet
• February - Amethyst
• March - Aquamarine
• April - Diamond
• May - Emerald
• June - Pearl, Moonstone
• July - Ruby
• August - Peridot
• September - Sapphire
• October - Opal, Tourmaline
• November - Yellow Topaz, Citrine
• December - Blue Topaz, Turquoise, Tanzanite

I am currently working toward having all of these stones represented in my shop, and each month I'll write about the current birthstone and the lore and mythology behind it!  The links above will take you to the posts on each stone (when available) and the links below will take you to my Etsy shop. Thanks for looking!

Garnet Jewelry / Amethyst Jewelry / Pearl and Moonstone Jewelry / Ruby Jewelry / Peridot Jewelry

Opal Jewelry / Tourmaline Jewelry / Citrine Jewelry / Turquoise Jewelry

Garnet: January's Glorious Birthstone

Pomegranate seeds look like garnet!
Photo via TheDeliciousLife on flickr
CC BY 2.0

Garnet, glorious birthstone for the month of January, is a fascinating and richly colored gemstone.  It is named for the latin word for pomegranate, granatum due to its amazing resemblance to the color of the deep glossy red seeds of this lovely fruit.

This luxurious burgundy or crimson red tone is the most widely known hue for the stone, but some may be surprised to find that this incredible gemstone comes in a wide variety of splendid colors, from a nice warm honey-brown color to a dark emerald green or even black.

Garnet's stone lore has it rumored to be able to light up the night and protect those who wear it from nightmares. Garnets have also long been carried by travelers as protection against accidents far from home.

//Shop all Garnet, January Birthstone Jewelry by bespangledjewelry on Etsy//

Handmade Wire Wrapped Garnet Pendant Necklace

Luxurious rich high quality faceted garnet gemstone beads are carefully hand-wired around the center of the handformed wrapped wire teardrop-shaped pendant. Centerpiece dangles gently from a dainty sterling silver chain. The entire necklace has been oxidized and then polished for a slightly darker grey antiqued looking patina finish, to give it an earthy, organic artisan feel. 

Pendant measures approximately 1 inch (25mm) wide by 1.25 inches (32mm) long . Gemstone beads are 5x8 mm rectangles. All metal is sterling silver. Necklace measures 17" long, but length can be adjusted by request. Fastens with a lobster claw trigger clasp.

$72 USD

Simple Garnet Bracelet with Knotted Brown Silk Cord

Genuine smooth polished garnet and shiny sterling silver beads will dance around your wrist on this lovely casual bracelet made with handknotted dark brown silk cord. Great style for everyday wear.

Bracelet is made to fit most size wrists: knot slides for adjustable closure.

$26 USD

Garnet Gemstone Necklace on Oxidized Sterling Silver Chain

Lovely faceted garnet gemstone beads swing gently from the center of a dainty sterling silver chain which has been oxidized and then polished for a slightly darker grey antiqued looking patina finish, to give it an earthy, organic artisan feel. 

All metal is sterling silver. Necklace measures 16" long and fastens with a lobster claw trigger clasp.

$38 USD

//Shop all Garnet, January Birthstone Jewelry by bespangledjewelry on Etsy//