Birthstone for February: Amethyst
“Do you think amethysts can be the souls of good violets?” – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
If your birthday is in February, then your birthstone is the amethyst!
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. It gets its violet hue from the interplay between iron and aluminum in the quartz. It can range in color from light pinkish violet to deep purple. Despite scoring a hardy 7 on the Mohs scale, it is extremely sensitive to heat and can discolor at high temperatures. In fact, citrine and yellow quartz are often called “burnt amethyst,” as the color turns from purple to yellow with exposure to heat.
Amethyst gets its name from the Greek “amethystos,” meaning “not drunken.” The ancient Greeks believed that it prevented intoxication and would often wear it during revels in order to combat drunkenness. Many people today still believe that it has healing powers – although I wouldn’t recommend that you buy an amethyst cell-phone case to prevent drunk-dialing.
And now for some fun ways to wear this passionate gem!
Affordable Accent
These earrings from Stephen Dweck’s Avignon Collection are proof positive that February amethysts often have a wild streak. The sterling silver chains bring balance to the fanciful amethyst beads.
The Investment Piece
It’s a well-established fact here at WooMeOver that Olivia loves cocktail rings like nothing else. And this juicy offering from Tiffany fits the bill with a vengeance.
Living in Luxury
A true February amethyst couldn’t be truly satisfied with just a run-of-the-mill cocktail ring, no matter how fabulous. She needs to acknowledge her inner goddess with something like David Yurman’s ethereal Half-Moon Enhancer. It’s the perfect piece to compliment your toga at that midnight bacchanal!
You February amethysts are passionate and mysterious. You deserve a gemstone that satisfies the diva within. And the amethyst is the perfect offering to appease the goddess within.
Divinely,
Olivia
