Amethyst Jewellery Collections

 Amethyst jewellery: Mysterious and extravagant

Steeped in history, bubbling with seductive personality and dazzling with crystal quality, it is easy to see why handmade amethyst jewellery is a consistently popular choice. Amethyst jewellery has been around for almost as long as civilisation itself - taking its name from the ancient Greek for 'not intoxicated'. And while its role as a hangover cure has fallen from favour in the intervening centuries, its popularity as a beautiful and elegant accessory has not.

Amethyst jewellery has maintained its presence in the jewellery-world spotlight for many thousands of years and its popularity shows no sign of waning. It is easily the most striking stone in the quartz family and, while it is not used in digital watches like its more mundane counterparts, its purple beauty is timeless.

Worn by the gods, sported by empresses, and admired by the masses, Amethyst Jewellery was once seen as the preserve of the exceedingly wealthy but, while it still holds that unmistakable celebrity appeal, amethyst jewellery transcends class boundaries.

Why is amethyst jewellery shrouded in so much mystery?

Amethyst jewellery is like no other. Its history is interwoven with myth and magic. No other precious stone has a tapestry of intrigue so complex. Since first being discovered, the beautiful gemstone has been revered. Even Moses described amethyst jewellery as being in the spirit of God and the violet stone enjoyed widespread popularity long before Moses parted the Red Sea or brought the Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai.

Whether ensuring good crop growth or averting natural disasters, soothsayers and prophets called on the magical powers of amethyst jewellery. It has been used as a cure for snakebites, a good luck charm, a defence against evil spirits and a miraculous cure for drunkenness. It became so popular as a symbol of sobriety that amethyst jewellery made way for amethyst pint mugs.

Purple has long been associated with the Catholic Church, so, understandably, amethyst jewellery came to the fore during the rise of the religious institution and is still a prominent adornment today. It was the stone associated with both bishops and cardinals and is even a key stone in the Papal Ring, which is held at the Pforzheim Jewellery Museum.

Amethyst jewellery has also been offered as a sign of friendship of the centuries - and still is to this day.

 Amethyst: The birthstone for February

The beauty of amethyst jewellery makes it suitable for practically any occasion. Its depth, clarity and unwavering allure make it a truly distinctive choice. The precious stone can be set with any other stone and not look out of place and is particularly striking when used in handmade sterling silver jewellery. And, while it is durable, amethyst can be cut and fashioned, making it a hugely versatile stone.

As well as being a perfect gift for Christmas or birthdays - particularly for people who buy silver jewellery online - amethyst is the birthstone for February. So, amethyst jewellery is the perfect choice of gift for anyone born during this short winter month.

"The February born shall find, Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the amethyst will wear," states one traditional birthstone poem.

But, as mentioned above, the versatility of amethyst makes it a sterling choice of gift for all occasions - whether the person being bought for is a Pisces or a Sagittarius.

 Buying handmade amethyst jewellery online

The best place to start when picking out that perfect piece of amethyst jewellery is the internet. And there is no better place than Cavendish French. Our selection of beautifully crafted amethyst jewellery is second to none. So whether it's a silver heart pendant, teardrop earrings or a beautiful amethyst necklace - there will be something on our site that fits the bill.

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