February Birthstone Spotlight: Amethyst

Warm up your winter wardrobe with this month’s birthstone spotlight, the amethyst! This violet-colored quartz has long been a prized gemstone among many civilizations and kingdoms. The amethyst’s hue can vary from pale violet to darker hues, the vivid purple amethysts have the most coveted color in history.

Amethysts have been used for jewelry and other uses as early as 3100 B.C. Egyptians and Greeks used amethysts to make seals and signet rings for sealing letters and stamping documents. The Romans and the Greeks thought that by drinking out of cups made of amethyst would prevent intoxication. The Romans also frequently used amethysts for carved intaglio portraits.

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Medieval soldiers in Europe wore amethyst talismans as amethysts were thought to keep the wearer level-headed in battle. Amethysts were also considered has a symbol of status among the high clergy and royalty, since the vivid hues of this gemstone were one of the most expensive colors to reproduce in cloth dying. Amethysts were also ranked among the world’s most valuable gemstones until the 18th century, when large deposits of amethysts were found in Brazil.

The largest known amethyst to date is not a singular amethyst, but an amethyst geode known as the Empress of Uruguay. Weighing approximately 14 tons, the geode is a little over 9 feet tall by 5 feet wide.

Tap into your regal side with these sweet pear-cut amethyst & diamond drop earrings from King Jewelers. These earrings feature 24.91 carats of deep purple amethysts with delicate diamond halos. The diamonds in contrast with these beautiful amethysts are a combination that makes these earrings shine.

Established in 1912, the King family has owned and operated King Jewelers for five generations while building an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value, and first-class service. Today, King Jewelers has brick-and-mortar stores located in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, both of which have won numerous regional and national awards of distinction. Offering a magnificent selection of fine jewelry collections including the hottest Italian designs, estate jewelry, colored gemstones and fancy-colored diamonds, as well as luxury European timepieces, King Jewelers prides itself in being one step ahead of the trend. In addition, King Jewelers offers on-site jewelry and watch repairs, custom design services, appraisals, estate buying, and corporate gift programs. For more information, visit www.kings1912.com.