Amethyst Earrings from The Diamond Store.co.uk

Amethysts are stunning lavender/purple coloured gemstones which are the birthstone for February and Zodiac stone for Aquarius. Because birthstones are used as healing and protective stones, and because the name amethyst originates from the Greek “amethystos” which means “not drunk” this birthstone is regarded as an aid for alcoholism. In the past wine goblets often had these stones studded in them. While the Diamond Store cannot promise that you will remain sober while wearing amethyst jewellery they can offer you an amazing range of earrings in various shapes and sizes including square, heart and oval shapes set in yellow or white gold.

The properties listed against the amethyst are peace and tranquillity as well as sobriety. It was also thought to aid celibacy and piety during the Middle Ages and was widely used in the Catholic Church, especially by bishops. The luxurious richness of the colour purple has long been a royal or holy colour, with amethysts being used extensively in the British Crown Jewels and by the Ancient Egyptians.

Amethysts are always purple, but in varying shades with different countries often producing their own unique colour dependant on the region or mine. They are found all over the world, but the principal areas are Arizona in the USA, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Russia and the Zambia. Amethysts are graded by using the terms Siberian, Uruguayan or Bahain which represents the high, medium and low grades respectively.

Designs at the Diamond Store include some amethysts surrounded by diamonds which are in the form of diamond stud earrings, small drop earrings or huggy earrings. They are mostly cut as brilliant rounds because they often have a slightly patchy distribution of colour in their crystals (which is very difficult or impossible to detect with the naked eye). The more expensive stones usually have the best distribution of colour and other cuts are used. Take time to browse the various categories at the Diamond Store as you will surprised at the excellent and unrepeatable prices they are currently offering.