For the Love of Amethysts in February!

For the Love of Amethysts in February!

Did you know that amethysts are not only the most popular purple gemstone, but one of the most popular of all time? Amethysts are the ultimate "geek to chic" stone, found within geodes that look like ordinary dark rocks with nothing to hint of the beauty inside. When they are cracked open, the geodes reveal raw crystals that range from the lightest of mauves to the deepest of purples. Just as beautiful in its natural form as it is faceted, smoothed, or tumbled into stones or beads, it is a perfect stone for all kinds of handcrafted artisan and beaded jewelry.
February 02, 2019 — SWCreations Jewelry
Garnet Gemstone: More Than Just a Birthstone

Garnet Gemstone: More Than Just a Birthstone

The Garnet gemstone is the birthstone of January. The stone is a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow of colors ranging from a deep red/orange of the Mandarin Garnet to a green color of the Tsavorite and the usually recognized Pyrope Garnet. It can be given for the second, sixth, and nineteenth wedding anniversaries and it symbolizes eternal friendship and trust. The name comes from the Latin word granatum meaning "seed-like" referencing it to a pomegranate because of it's looks and color. The garnet gemstone is an interesting stone in terms of history, legends, and Greek mythology.
The Magnificent Allure of Emerald Gemstones

The Magnificent Allure of Emerald Gemstones

merald gemstones signify the month of May. Like spring, emeralds represent rebirth, good fortune, youth, and renewal. 

Emerald is rooted from smaragdus, defining green in Greek.

The first emerald was unearthed in Egypt in 300 B.C. Cleopatra infamously adored the stone. In ancient Egyptian texts, Cleopatra found the "Cleopatra Emerald" weighing at an unimaginable 97 karats. She split the gemstone in half, giving it to Marc Antony. After Marc Antony fought the Romans and died, architects tried to find his missing half. They never located it.

Myths and Legends Behind Amethyst Birthstone Jewelry

Myths and Legends Behind Amethyst Birthstone Jewelry

Amethyst is an instantly recognizable purple quartz stone that is used for jewelry and healing purposes throughout the world. Ranging in shade from pale lavender to the deepest purple, the gem is prized for its beauty and properties and is the birthstone for the month of February. With these amazing properties, amethyst birthstone jewelry is an ideal gift for a beloved friend or family member -- or even for yourself.

Amethyst Origins

One of the earliest legends surrounding the amethyst comes to us from Ancient Greece and explains the origins of this highly regarded purple stone. In the story, Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and revelry was angered at a mortal woman, who failed to pay him the proper respect.

February's Birthstone: The Romance of Amethyst

February's Birthstone: The Romance of Amethyst

Amethyst is February's birthstone. Some might wonder whether amethyst’s rich violet hue is appropriate for a month associated with red roses and candy hearts. But as it happens, the legend of Saint Valentine says that he wore an amethyst ring carved in the shape of cupid. Amethyst beads, with their grape purple tints, have been associated with love, fertility and romance long before pink Hallmark Cards took February’s center stage.