|
Amethyst jewelry is the birthstone for the month of February and the anniversary gemstone for the 6th year of marriage. It is a purple color gemstone. The amethyst , transparent purple quartz, is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. Amethyst jewelry was very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages because it was thought to encourage celibacy. Bishops still often wear amethyst rings. In Tibet, amethyst jewelry is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it.
Amethyst jewelry ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes. It is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, and some African countries. Amethyst jewelry from South America generally tends to be available in larger sizes than African amethyst. However, amethyst jewelry from Africa has the reputation for having better, more saturated, color in small sizes. Very dark amethyst jewelry, mostly in small sizes, is also mined in Australia.
Amethyst jewelry is available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes including many fancy shapes. Some large fine stones may be sold in free sizes. Amethyst jewelry, however, is generally cut in standardized dimensions.
Amethyst jewelry can be used to in attractive pendants, necklaces, rings, ear studs and bracelets. Amethyst stones are usually set in gold and silver jewelry. Amethyst jewelry can be combined with pearls, Swarovski crystals or zircons. Amethyst earrings can be worn frequently since the gemstone is fairly durable.
It is necessary to clean the amethyst jewelry carefully in order to protect its luster because amethyst earrings and rings generally tend to lose their brilliance due to a layer of oil and dirt. Amethyst jewelry can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. You should use a soft cloth to wipe it dry. By the way, you should not wear amethyst jewelry while exercising, swimming or doing housework. Amethyst jewelry must not be subjected to extremes of temperature or vibration.
|
|
