Amethyst ("Rose de France")

Item Description

The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek "a-methystos" meaning "not drunken,". Wine goblets were often carved from it, and the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety to this day. Traditionally, the color purple has been a symbol for royalty and Amethyst was often used for monarchs and leaders throughout history. It was, considered to be the stone of bishops, who still often wear amethyst rings. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it. Amethyst would be very expensive, were not for its widespread availability, as it is one of the few purple gems out there. A Rose de France Amethyst is defined by its markedly light shade of the purple known to Amethyst. The color is reminiscent of a lavender/lilac shade. This large "Checkerboard Cushion" cut gem is nearly eye clean in clarity and has a classic Rose de France color. Some people actually prefer this shade of Amethyst to the more traditional darker purple hues. Valued at $366 high retail.