The History and Lore of Amethyst

edie@davidcraigjewelers.com

This month the spotlight is on Amethyst. Now Amethyst has a tale on how the beautiful stone earned its name. Bacchus, the god of wine and conviviality, was angry because some people had fought against him and swore revenge. He announced that the first mortal to come across his path would be eaten by tigers. Just at that moment,  along came Amethyst, on her way to worship at the shrine of the goddess Diana. Diana saw what was happening and transformed Amethyst into stone to rescue her from a violent death. When Bacchus saw the miracle, he repented and poured wine over the stone, staining it purple thus creating the gemstone we know today as Amethyst.

The word Amethyst comes from the word amethutos meaning remedy of drunkeness, the Greek believed whoever wore the gemstone would be protected against the intoxicating effect of wine also that it would keep husbands faithful. Whether the Greek have the key to sobriety is still up to question. Renaissance Europeans thought it had the power to calm lovers overcome with passion. It was known that the wearer of Amethyst would become clear headed and quick witted in battle and business affairs. To many people, it represented personal empowerment and inner strength.

Every stone has their own little story, this month was Amethyst. Come take a look next month for the history and lore of Aquamarine.

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