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The alluring amethyst is the purple variety of the quartz family. With a rich narrative dating back thousands of years, it stands as a testament to the intertwining threads of mythology, history, and regal elegance.
Gemstones
Amethyst Mining Throughout History
Rough amethyst crystals occur in geodes as impressive jutting hexagonal prisms, and can also be found in alluvial deposits as water worn pebbles.
Amethyst has been found in many localities throughout history, one of the more important ancient mines was Wadi el-Hudi in Egypt, which likely supplied much of the ancient world with amethyst gems. However, it is the Siberian amethyst which is regarded as the world’s finest.
Mining was known to occur in the Ural Mountains of Siberia from at least the 18th century. An incredibly rare gemstone for most of history, amethyst was considered equal in value to ruby, sapphire, and emerald. A large deposit of amethyst found in Brazil in the early 19th century caused the price of this gem to plummet, making it more accessible to a wider market.
Today, amethyst can be found in several countries across the world, including the USA, Zambia, Brazil, Uruguay and Madagascar.
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Myths and Legends
The word ‘amethyst’ is derived from the ancient Greek ‘amethystos’ which translates to ‘not drunken’. The Greeks believed that wearing amethyst would prevent intoxication, and over time, this association became deeply ingrained in the symbolism of the gemstone.
According to one Greek legend, its purple hue derived from when the god of wine and revelry, Dionysus, became angered and decided to release his wrath upon humanity by unleashing tigers. A young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to pay homage to the goddess Artemis when she sought refuge in a cave and prayed for protection. Artemis, to save Amethyst from the ferocious beasts, transformed her into a white crystal. When Dionysus realised the consequence of his anger, he felt remorse and poured wine over the crystal, giving it a deep purple hue.
Another early Greek belief suggested that if one drank wine from a chalice made of amethyst, or placed an amethyst under their tongue, it would enable one to drink profusely without getting drunk.
Religious and Royal Connections
The historical reverence for amethyst as a precious gemstone also finds its roots in antiquity, both regally and religiously. It is notably highlighted for its inclusion among the twelve gemstones adorning the Priestly Breastplate, as documented in the Book of Exodus, which later laid the foundation for the concept of birthstones, amethyst being the birthstone for the month of February.
Throughout Christian history, the amethyst has held symbolic significance, with its purple colour representing penitence and being the liturgical colour for the seasons of Lent and Advent. Thus, from Medieval times, the amethyst can often be seen gracing the episcopal rings of bishops and clergymen.
Related Article: Antiquities of the Amethyst Variety
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The British crown jewels incorporate amethyst in several prominent pieces, symbolising power and luxury. A notable example is of the amethysts set in the St Edward’s Crown, which dates to the 1661 coronation of Charles II. It has been worn at every monarch’s coronation since.
An amethyst also features in cabochon form in the Imperial Sceptre, set above the Cullinan I diamond. Royal connections have not only elevated the status of amethyst jewellery, but also contributed to its timeless appeal as a gemstone associated with majesty and elegance.
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Amethyst’s Attributes
Amethyst gains its purple colouration from iron impurities within the crystal and can vary in shades ranging from lilac, pale purple and lavender, through to deep mauve and pinky purple. The most valuable amethysts, including those from Siberia, are prized for their depth of continual colour, a velvety rich purple with a hint of blue.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, amethyst is believed by some to have healing properties, promoting emotional balance, tranquillity, and spiritual insight in alternative and holistic practices. The cultural and religious connections to amethyst contribute to its esteemed status as one of the world's most cherished gemstones.
Amethyst jewellery exhibits a timeless elegance and appeal, with its rich and versatile hues captured in pieces from across the eras.
Our collection of rare antique amethyst rings dates back to the 18th century and showcases a range of different styles. Should you be searching for a gift, come and view our selection of dazzling jewels, from amethyst necklaces and earrings to brooches and bracelets, we have something for everyone!
For more insights and to discover the allure of the amethyst, we welcome you to connect with our jewellery experts. Schedule an appointment through the Berganza website and embark on a journey to view these captivating purple treasures!
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In the past, Egypt and Siberia were important sources, along with Brazil. Today, the main localities for amethyst are in South America and Africa.
Historically amethysts were very rare, however lots of deposits have been found since, making it one of the most popular gemstones today.
You should take care to remove your amethyst jewellery if you are doing any DIY, sports or physical activities. To clean your amethyst we recommend using a soft cloth to remove any dust from the surface, or a bowl of warm water and a soft toothbrush.
Amethysts are thought to have healing properties, as well as helping one avoid intoxication. They are also associated with their use in suffragette jewellery, with purple being a colour of this movement.
Amethyst comes in varying shades of purple, from a pale pinky-lilac to a rich deep violet.
