FBirthstoneebruary’s Romancing the Stone

If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. Because of its wine-like color, early Greek mythology associated the gem with Bacchus, the god of wine. Historically, royals have admired the deep purple hue of Amethyst since at least the days of Alexander the Great. Traditionally, only people of the highest social status wore amethysts because the color purple was associated with nobility. Amethyst can be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia. Empress Catherine the Great of Russia had a penchant for the gem and decked herself in amethyst necklaces, earrings and other ornaments. Amethyst also has a place in England’s Crown Jewels, atop the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.

In addition to regal appetite for the gem, amethyst has strong connections to the month of February and love. According to legend, St. Valentine — whose day devoted to love we celebrate in February — wore an amethyst ring carved with Cupid’s likeness so that Roman soldiers could recognize him and ask for his help to marry them in secret. During the third century AD, the Roman Empire had outlawed marriage between young couples, for it was thought that unwed young men made better soldiers as they had no ties to a wife and children.

Valentine defied the government’s ban and married couples in secret which ultimately led to his martyrdom. This is probably why Valentine’s Day became so popular a day for marriage proposals as it traces back to the forbidden marriages facilitated by Valentine. For matrimonial celebrations, Amethyst is the commemorative gem for sixth and seventeenth wedding anniversaries.

Browse Nye Jewelers collection of amethyst birthstone jewelry, ranging from rings and earrings to pendants and bracelets.

Featured, matching set of emerald cut Amethyst pendant and earrings with diamond halo. H