Amethyst- the February birthstone February 06 2017

Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for those born in February.

Amethyst is the most valuable form of quartz. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos and translates as ‘not drunk’.

There are two main myths about the origins of the name of the gemstone.

 In one the drunken Greek god of wine Dionysus, was chasing a beautiful young girl called Amethystos. She rejected his advances as she wanted to remain chaste and prayed to the goddess Artemis to protect her. Artemis changed Amethystos  into a white pillar of crystal so Dionysus could not corrupt her. When Dionysus saw this he was humbled and made an offering of wine to the gods by pouring it all over the white crystals and turning them purple.

In a different version of the story Dionysus was angry as a mortal insulted him. As revenge for this insult he planned to attack the next mortal to cross his path with fierce tigers. A beautiful maiden called Amethystos was on her way to pay her respects to the goddess Diana when she encountered the tigers. Diana saw what was about to happen and saved Amethystos by turning her into a pure white crystal quartz. When Dionysus saw the beautiful crystal statue he wept tears of pure wine in remorse which dyed the statue purple.

In ancient Greece and Rome drinking vessels were often made of amethyst in the belief that they would prevent intoxication.

The birthstone poem for February

The amethyst gemstone is associated with the properties of peace, stability, balance, calm, inner strength, courage and sincerity.

Amethysts are purported  to help treat addiction, headaches, insomnia, pain relief and general healing.

January Birthstone- Gorgeous Garnet January 23 2016

Garnet is the traditional birthstone for January.

By her who in this month is born,

No gem save garnets should be worn;

They will ensure her constancy,

True friendship, and fidelity

Garnet is named after the latin, ‘granatum’ which means pomegranate, because of the stone’s similarity to the colour of pomegranate seeds. Garnets range from the size of a grain of sand to an apple.

It is considered a stone of regeneration, energy and balance. It is said to banish negativity and enhance self worth, to increase prosperity, creativity, courage and strength . Garnet represents love and can bring understanding, warmth, devotion and sincerity to relationships. It is said to control anger particularly towards oneself.

Garnet is an ancient symbol of friendship- exchanged between friends on parting to signify affection and to ensure they will meet again.

It has long been popular as a protective stone for travellers.

New Items July 19 2014

We have been busy updating our range so keep checking back to see what's new. We have lots of new vintage pieces which are one of a kind and can be personalised with the addition of birthstones. 

We love colour and our favourite summery blues are back- new long drop boho earrings with beautiful elongated gemstones. Get yours now and be ready for your hols.