04 feb Amethyst and Cupido

Amethyst is the most prized variety of Quartz, which occurs in a variety of shades of purple, ranging from deep purple to lilac. Amethyst is found in India, Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar and the United States.

Quartz also has a yellowish orange variety called Citrine. In Bolivia, amethyst and citrine occur in the same crystal. The unique gems, called Ametrine, are half purple and half yellow. Another popular variety is Green Amethyst, a pale green shade known as Prasiolite. Stones with a luscious lilac shade are called Rose de France.

This purple beauty has played an important part in history. Amethyst was once only worn by royalty, it was set in ancient Egyptian pieces and royal British crown jewels. Some say it was even a personal favorite of Queen Catherine the Great of Russia.

Amethyst, the traditional stone of St. Valentine’s Day

Now it is a popular stone used in many jewelry designs. It is said that the patron of romantic love, St. Valentine, wore an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid. It is also the birthstone for Pisces and the month of February.

Bonebakker uses green Amethyst and Rose de France in various Bonebakker designs, like in the delicate oval shaped lilac pair of earrings (above), a bezel set amethyst 18kt rosegold eternity ring and cushion cut green amethyst pendants. A lovely gift for your loved one.