Royal Talisman and Hangover Cure: Amethyst, February’s Birthstone

You don’t have to be born in February to be dazzled by amethysts, but you're lucky if this is your birthstone. The stunning gems come in a range of purple shades that delight the eyes, and are one of the most popular gemstones throughout history. Even Cleopatra was a fan!

The word “amethyst” was coined from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning “not intoxicated.”  The Greeks believed that an amethyst could ward off impending drunkenness, and decorated cups and drinking vessels with the stone. I’m not sure about the science behind that, but these may have been the very first pimp cups.

While the Ancient Greeks were certain that the amethyst ensured sobriety, the Romans considered it to be a little more romantic. Cleopatra, the Egyptian Pharaoh that looked a whole lot like Elizabeth Taylor, wore an amethyst signet. A signet is a seal, set in a ring, used to sign documents. (I had to look it up.) Queen Cleo had two suitors fall madly in love with her, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony (the Roman, not J.Lo's ex). Since she was successful at keeping them in love with her, Roman women began wearing amethysts as a way to keep a faithful husband. Seriously. 

Cleopatra wasn’t the only royal with a passion for purple, or amethysts. Since the time of Cyrus the Great, 2500 years ago, the color purple has been synonymous with royalty. The process of dying cloth in purple tones was extremely expensive, so only the wealthiest could afford it. The popularity of amethyst among royals could be simply because of how well it matched their exclusive purple robes. Princess Victoria of Sweden has an amethyst tiara, passed down through generations to her from Empress Josephine. The British Crown Jewels have amethysts in them. Royalty has basically owned a color for thousands of years (until synthetic dyes came around in the 1850s), and then made tiaras to match. If that’s not glam, I don’t know what it is.

All this seems a little “Game of Thrones,” if you know what I mean. So I’ll just add that amethysts also bring certain strengths to the wearer. It has the power to overcome hard times, courage, peace and stability to emotionally overwhelming situations. It symbolizes calmness, serenity, and sincerity. In a nutshell, it brings grace under pressure. Consider yourself lucky if amethyst is your birthstone.

The Darling crystal pen with gold hardware, is perfect to remind you of the queen you were born to be!