February is the month that marks the end of summer and is host to the most romantic day of the year, that being Valentine's Day. It's a time for celebrating love and enjoying the summer heat while it lasts. For those who have the pleasure of being born in this lovely month, your birthstone is Amethyst.
Birthstones are assigned to the period of time you were born and are determined by your zodiac and birth month. Gemstones have been worn and set into jewellery for thousands of years as a sign of luxury and have connections to astrology that can be dated back by centuries. It's a Western custom to wear your birthstone in jewellery like gemstone rings, gemstone pendants, gemstone necklaces and gemstone bracelets.
Overview:
- What Is The Birthstone For February?
- What Is The Meaning Of Amethyst?
- Our Favourite Amethyst Jewellery
What Is The Birthstone For February?
The Birthstone for February is Amethyst which is known for its properties of calmness, spirituality, balance and peace. The stone has a vibrant violet colour that is a variety of quartz. The stone radiates a calm presence that soothes the soul.
The word Amethyst comes from ancient Greece and is derived from the word methustos, which means 'intoxicated'. It was believed back then to help protect you from drunkenness. Renaissance Europeans believed that it calmed lovers overrun by passion.
The colour of Amethyst is most commonly a deep purple, but it can come in a wide range of different shades that can range from lilac to a mix of purple and red. Sometimes it can hold such little colour you can barely tell it's purple or so dark that the stone is nearly opaque.
Amethyst can be found just about anywhere on the planet, however, it is most commonly found in Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Zambia. Zambia's Kariba mine is one of the largest amethyst producers in the world.
Amethyst looks great when it's set into jewellery especially Amethyst rings, and Amethyst necklaces. Wearing an amethyst crystal is one of the best ways to get the most out of the stone. Having the stone pressed against your skin is the most potent way to access the stones healing properties.
What Is The Meaning Of Amethyst?
Amethyst has been celebrated by ancient civilizations since 25,000 BC. The Greeks, Romans and even the Egyptians have sought after the stone for its various healing properties. There are ancient stories of Amethyst being a young virgin that was attacked by a God named Dionysus during a drunken rage. The young girl cried out to the Goddess Diana for help in which she turned her into a pale stone. Dionysus realised his mistake and accidentally spilled his wine. The pale white stone absorbed the wine which is where it got its famous purple glow. This is how Amethyst has become an antidote to a drunken state and is therefore associated with clarity, contemplation and a sense of control.
It is believed that Amethyst is one of the most powerful stones in the healing pack. It is most strongly associated with the crown chakra and is said to connect the physical and spiritual realms together.
Our Favourite Amethyst Jewellery:
9ct Yellow Gold 8mm Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring
Our first recommendation is this stunning 9-carat yellow gold ring that features a prominent 8mm cushion cut amethyst stone that steals the show. This ring is an absolute showstopper. Make it the star of your outfit by pairing it with some of your favourite gold bracelets and earrings. Being crafted from luxurious yellow gold means you will feel special every time you put this ring around your finger.
Sterling Silver Amethyst Oval 10x12mm Pendant with 45cm Chain
Our next recommendation is this stunning necklace that has been crafted from luxurious sterling silver that will make you feel special every time you put it around your neck. Once again the brilliant amethyst stone is the star of the show. The stone has beautiful facets that will sparkle when they hit the light and is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
9ct Yellow Gold Amethyst Princess Cut 5mm Stud Earrings
Our last jewellery recommendation is these 9-carat yellow gold earrings that feature princess cut amethyst that give this piece a classy aesthetic. The bright contrast between the purple amethyst and yellow gold is a stunning sight. Pair these earrings with the Amethyst oval chain and Amethyst cushion cut ring to create the ultimate Amethyst look.