Green Amethyst Jewelry: Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets and Rings are Women's Favourite for Centuries

Green amethyst jewelry, whether in the form of necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets or rings has been a favourite of women for centuries. Amethysts are one of the most fascinating gemstones. The word amethyst actually comes from the Greek word for "not drunk" as it was believed that the stone could protect its holder from drunkenness as well as other ailments brought about by intoxication. Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote that the purple gemstone was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.

Amethyst is associated with the month of February and is also the birthstone for the zodiac sign of Aquarius. This makes amethyst earrings, necklaces, pendants or rings the perfect gift for anybody born in this month and under this sign. Amethyst jewellery is also the appropriate for fourth and sixth year anniversary gifts. Given its mesmerizing purple hue, amethyst earrings and necklaces are perfect for dark-coloured hair. Any type of amethyst jewellery would also match perfectly with a purple dress or gown.
Part of the appeal of the purple stone is because of the wide variety of amethyst. In fact, amethyst is not only found in Brazil but also found in Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and across South America, as well as in Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. South American amethyst tends to be larger in size and lighter in colour than African amethyst stones. Australia also boasts very dark amethysts that tend to be much smaller in size, but this is not always the case.

Amethysts will sometimes have some kind of heat treatment to enhance their colour. However, extreme heat or light can turn amethyst stones into yellow so it is important to store them away from any strong heat or light sources.

Amethyst is classified as quartz and is the most highly valued variety of quartz available. It has always been a highly prized gemstone and figured prominently in the crowns, sceptres and various artefacts of royalty throughout history. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks thought it possessed everlasting properties and could even extend the reign of a ruler. It was also a favourite of the legendary Russian Empress Catherine the Great and figures as a centrepiece of the British Crown Jewels. Therefore, because purple is the colour of royalty, wearing an amethyst ring or broche shows that you are special.

Today, because of its plentiful supply, amethysts have become an affordable gemstone that is available in a wide variety of colours and sizes as rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, brooches and other accessories. The relative abundance of the stone however hasn't made it any less attractive to gift shoppers as amethyst remains one of the most popular gemstones today with an ever increasing demand for all types of amethyst jewellery.