Amethyst (fine color)

Item Description

Amethyst is another one of those gems has been known for thousands of years. Discovery of ancient jewelry items dating back to 2000 BC have been found containing Amethyst stones. The name comes from the ancient Greek term "amethystos", which translates to "not drunken", as they believed the stone would prevent intoxication. In fact according to entry on Wikipedia, "the French poet Rémy Belleau (1528–1577) invented a myth in which Bacchus, the god of intoxication, of wine, and grapes was pursuing a maiden named Amethyste, who refused his affections. Amethyste prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the chaste goddess Diana answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethyste's desire to remain chaste, Bacchus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple." For decades, Brazil has been the top producer of Amethyst (both gems and crystals), and this is a great example of the fine color that can be found. This "Brilliant Oval" cut stone has a wonderful saturated purple color with nearly eye-clean clarity. A great stone to create a very eye-catching pendant.