Amethyst – Passion for Purple
The deep purple amethyst has been a favorite of royalty since the dawn of history. From Cleopatra to Catherine the Great, the wealthy and noble of nations have prized this intensely-hued stone for its rich beauty.
The amethyst takes its name from ancient Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk.” The amethyst has been credited with the power to prevent intoxication, perhaps because of its wine-dark purple coloring. Ancient Greeks added amethyst stones to cups and vessels and wore them in jewelry, so that they could consume wine to excess without succumbing to its inevitable consequence.
In 1576, French poet Remy Belleau wrote a classically-styled poem about the origin of the amethyst. The story now exists in many versions, and one of them goes like this: Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure, became enamored of a beautiful nymph, Amethys. When she spurned his advances and fled, he pursued. The goddess Artemis turned the nymph to stone to protect her. Seized with remorse, Dionysus poured his wine over the stone maiden in atonement, turning the stone purple.
Amethysts are a variety of quartz that forms as clusters of crystals inside geodes. One such geode, dubbed the Empress of Uruguay, stands over 3 meters tall. The largest cut amethyst at this time is a 401.5-carat emerald-cut gem mined in Brazil. This rich purple beauty has been a prize of the Smithsonian Museum since 2012. Stones can range from pale lavender to very dark purple that can appear almost black.
Amethysts have had religious significance in many cultures, and have been found in archaeological digs dating back to 3,000 BCE. Pharaohs thought the stone could ward off evil. Tutankhamun’s grave goods included a large amethyst scarab. Ancient China linked amethysts to dragons and prized the gem as a bringer of good fortune. In the Middle Ages, Christian bishops wore carved amethyst rings to display their dedication to the church. Tibetan Buddhists use special amethyst prayer beads called Malas for counting prayers.
One of history’s most famous amethyst collections is the Napoleonic Amethyst Parure. A parure is a collection of jewels intended to be worn together. This parure’s origins lie in the imperial court of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s wife, Josephine de Beauharnais gifted a suite of amethysts to her daughter-in law, Princess Augusta of Bavaria. Princess Augusta later bequeathed them to her own daughter, Josefina, upon her marriage to the future King Oscar of Sweden and Norway. At the time Josefina possessed the set, it was comprised of a large necklace, earrings, a pair of bracelets, and a large brooch. The set has remained in the possession of the Swedish royal family ever since, though in the 1970s, Queen Silvia commissioned a circlet-style tiara frame, so that the necklace could be worn as a tiara, as well. Whether atop a regal head or draped across an elegant neckline, the large oval gems set in sparkling diamonds make an unforgettable statement.
Another remarkable amethyst necklace is the unique Cartier bib necklace designed for and worn by Wallace Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. Cartier created several unique items for the Duchess, but the large amethyst and turquoise necklace, created in 1947, is a stunning example of Cartier craftsmanship. The necklace is often featured in museum exhibitions.
Amethysts were, until the 1700s, considered among the most valuable gemstones alongside diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. When large deposits of amethyst were discovered in Brazil, the gem’s status declined. Today we consider amethyst a semiprecious stone. It remains a popular favorite, both as the birthstone for February and as a vivid violet stone. The amethyst is passionately purple, fit for the prince or princess in all of us. Shop our collection here.
