| Birthstone for February: Amethyst |
| Jenny Andersen Antique and Estate Jewelry |
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Amethyst is purple quartz. Other varieties of quartz often seen in jewelry are citrine
(yellow-brownish) rock crystal (colorless), rose quartz (pink), and cairngorm (brown).
Quartz has a hardness of 7 and when chipped or broken, the surface is curved and shiny, like
glass.
This semi-precious gem has been known and used at least since Minoan Greece (circa 2,500
BC). Because of the way it forms, large stones are readily available, making it a favorite of
jewelry makers through the ages. It was very popular in Victorian England. Queen Charlotte
(1744-1818) had an extremely expensive amethyst necklace, which lost considerable value
after the discovery of Russian amethyst (1799) depressed the market. Amethyst was much
used in Art Nouveau jewelry because of its beauty. Edward the Confessor, who became
King of England in 1042 wore an amethyst which is one of the oldest of the Crown Jewels of
England.
Brazilian amethyst commonly is found in gas cavities in lava flows and these geodes reach 5
feet in height and4 feet across. Such geodes are commonly found for sale at rock and gem
shows.
Amethyst may be heat treated to lighten dark stones, or to change the color completely or
partially to yellow, to produce citrine or bicolored ametrine.
The name comes from the Greek 'amethustos' which means 'not drunken'. It was used as a
talisman to prevent drunkenness, and thus was a popular material for wine glasses.
Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the
intelligence.
As with most gemstones, washing in warm water with mild soap is the safest cleaning
method. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe, but avoid steaming and acids. Strong light may
fade the color.
(yellow-brownish) rock crystal (colorless), rose quartz (pink), and cairngorm (brown).
Quartz has a hardness of 7 and when chipped or broken, the surface is curved and shiny, like
glass.
This semi-precious gem has been known and used at least since Minoan Greece (circa 2,500
BC). Because of the way it forms, large stones are readily available, making it a favorite of
jewelry makers through the ages. It was very popular in Victorian England. Queen Charlotte
(1744-1818) had an extremely expensive amethyst necklace, which lost considerable value
after the discovery of Russian amethyst (1799) depressed the market. Amethyst was much
used in Art Nouveau jewelry because of its beauty. Edward the Confessor, who became
King of England in 1042 wore an amethyst which is one of the oldest of the Crown Jewels of
England.
Brazilian amethyst commonly is found in gas cavities in lava flows and these geodes reach 5
feet in height and4 feet across. Such geodes are commonly found for sale at rock and gem
shows.
Amethyst may be heat treated to lighten dark stones, or to change the color completely or
partially to yellow, to produce citrine or bicolored ametrine.
The name comes from the Greek 'amethustos' which means 'not drunken'. It was used as a
talisman to prevent drunkenness, and thus was a popular material for wine glasses.
Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the
intelligence.
As with most gemstones, washing in warm water with mild soap is the safest cleaning
method. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe, but avoid steaming and acids. Strong light may
fade the color.
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On April 30, 2012, this website will close but I'll still be selling
wonderful jewelry and be available for questions, appointments,
etc.
New web address:
www.trocadero.com/jennyandersen
New email address: jandersenjewelry@gmail.com
You may still contact me at
408 930-3914
or P.O. Box 5515San Jose CA 95150
wonderful jewelry and be available for questions, appointments,
etc.
New web address:
www.trocadero.com/jennyandersen
New email address: jandersenjewelry@gmail.com
You may still contact me at
408 930-3914
or P.O. Box 5515San Jose CA 95150