925 Sterling Silver, Gold and Copper

Artisan Style Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Pendants

Natural, Cabochon and Faceted Cut Stones and Beads.

Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Charoite, Tigers Eye, Quartz, 

Topaz, Ruby, Emerald, Obsidian, Carnelian, Agate ....

• Variety of Quartz, SiO2 .
• Uses: Gemstones and ornamental stones
• Birthstone, February
• Color: various shades of purple.
• Index of refraction: 1.544-1.553
• Birefringence: 0.009
• Hardness: 7
• Cleavage: none
• Crystal system: trigonal
• Pleochroic: no

The Greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication.   Medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle 

Amethyst is said to protect its wearer against seduction.  It’s violet colour gives it a colour that makes it one of the most striking stones of the quartz family.  Amethyst is a jewel that has been coveted by many a princess.   Moses described Amethyst as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the official robes of the High priest of the Jews.  The Russian Empress Catherine the Great sent thousands of miners into the ursals to loof for Amethyst because of the popular belief that amethyst offers protection against drunkenness.  The Greek words ‘amethystos’ mean ‘not intoxicated’ in translation. 

In many other cultures amethyst is thought to have further miraculous powers.  It was said to protect crops against tempests and locusts, bring good fortune in war and in the hunt, drive out evil spirits and inspire intellect.

Amethyst came to be the stone of Catholic bishops and cardinals.

Amethyst has been esteemed as a stone of friendship and been used in medicine to combat insect bites and beautify skin.

There is much more informative and interesting reading on amethyst  in books and on the internet.

Citrine

• Variety of Quartz, SiO2 .
• Uses: Gemstones and ornamental stones
• Birthstone, November
• Color: various shades of yellow to brown
• Index of refraction: 1.544-1.553
• Birefringence: 0.009
• Hardness: 7
• Cleavage: none
• Crystal system: trigonal

Citrine can be found in Russia, Brazil (most is heat treated amethyst), Dauphine, France, and in Madagascar

Rose Quartz 

• Variety of Quartz, SiO2 .
• Uses: Gemstones and ornamental stones
• Birthstone, January
• Color: various shades of pink to a rosy-red
• Index of refraction: 1.544-1.553
• Birefringence: 0.009
• Hardness: 7
• Cleavage: none
• Crystal system: trigonal

 The pink to rose red color is unique, not like any other pink mineral species.  Rose quartz is a very desirable variety of quartz. The color is caused by iron and titanium impurities

Rose quartz is used in jewelry usually as cabochons.  It is also very attractive as an ornamental stone carved into figurines, ornate statues and more.

Rose quartz is found in India, USA, Brazil, Canada, Madagascar.