So you found the most gorgeous ring in Soho and can't wait to wear it to a cocktail party the head of accounting is throwing her new loft in TriBeCa. You get to the party & ever so fashionably hold your cocktail glass to display your new treasure. Then it happens. . .
"That ring is gorgeous! What stone is that?"
"Ummmmm. . . purple?"
Yikes! Well, fret no more. I now present the girls guide to gemstones!
First on the List, my personal favorite … AMETHYST:
The Greek myth of it's creation is the story of Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. She encounters a drunken Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Dionysus, previously angered by a mortal who refused him tribute, vowed to take revenge on the next one he saw. Friends don't let friends drink and vow. He conjured up two vicious tigers to devour her, but before they could do the deed, Diana transforms Amethyst in a white quartz statue. Dionysus, seeing the beauty of the statue, realized his mistake and began to weep. His tears fell into his wine which he then spilled on the statue. The tear stained wine turned the quartz statue into a beautiful purple gem. But poor Amethyst was still made of stone. Well, at least she turned a prettier color?
The word Amethyst come from a Greek word meaning "not drunk." Wearing amethyst gemstones are supposed to prevent intoxication. They are also known for encouraging celibacy. Sound like a fun night, doesn't it? Amethysts are also known for meditation, soothing the mind and re-balancing the spirit, protection from negative vibrations, healing and easing pain, purifying blood and encouragi ng s leep. When worn with Carnelian, it is said to restrain those who are domineering and highly strung. Amethyst is a stone of love and friendship and a fortunate gem for lovers and friends.
Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as in Zambia, Namibia and other African countries.