Getting to Know Our Birthstones: Amethyst, the Stone of Protection

Posted by Sydney Cox on Feb 20, 2022 in | Comments Off on Getting to Know Our Birthstones: Amethyst, the Stone of Protection

The gemstone Amethyst is most well-known for its color, presenting in a radiant and royal shade of purple. What you may not know, however, is that this February birthstone boasts many folkloric and symbolic connections throughout the ancient and modern-day world. When it comes to choosing a piece, all of us at Sorg Jewelers want our clients to feel completely in the loop from start to finish. Join us on this month’s birthstone journey as we uncover and learn about this lovely lilac stone.

 What’s in a name: The Story of Bacchus and Amethyst

The word Amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethustos, meaning the “absence of drunk”, or “sober”. Early myths associated the stone with Bacchus, the god of wine, and the beautiful maiden, Amethyst, who found herself on the wrong side of Bacchus. Legend has it that in order to protect Amethyst from the unprompted wrath of Bacchus, the goddess Diana turned her into a small, clear stone. Immediately, Bacchus felt remorse for his anger and poured a dark wine over the stone, staining it a deep royal purple. Thus, the maiden lent her name to the gemstone now known as Amethyst.

How Can Amethyst be Used? 

• For Preventing Drunkenness

• • • Perhaps taken from the story of Bacchus and Amethyst, it is rumored that this stone can prevent the beholder from becoming excessively drunk, instead promoting a sober and focused mind.
    • People have gone as far as to say that if one is to drink from a cup made entirely of Amethyst, they will be unable to become intoxicated at all.

• For Protection

• • • Throughout history, Amethyst has been said to aid in protection in many forms. Ancient Egyptians frequently included amethysts in amulets as a form of protection against bodily harm.
    • Greek legends swore that wearing the stone during battle would keep the soldier clear-headed and quick-witted, therefore protecting them from defeat on the battlefield.
    • In more modern history, Amethyst has been rumored to protect the wearer from contracting contagious and infectious diseases by boosting the immune system. There is no medical backing to support this claim, but I’m sure we could all use a little help with this right about now!

• For Soothing Dreams and Promoting Peaceful Sleep

• • • Often known as a stone of peace, some conclude that amethyst can produce soothing dreams and calm the mind as you sleep. This stone is said to help the mind flow freely in both its conscious and unconscious state, leaving the owner with a greater sense of peace at all times.

• For Increasing Material Wealth

• • According to the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, the amethyst can enhance the wealth of its owner by focusing on both giving and receiving riches

At Sorg Jewelers we pride ourselves on service, having offered outstanding guidance and craftsmanship for over 120 years. From custom pieces to folkloric traditions, we have you covered from the moment you walk through our doors. Have more questions about the world of amethysts? Do you have a stone you’d like to see a deep dive done on? Let us know! Visit our website for more!