The name is derived from Greek meaning 'not drunken' as the
stone was once attributed with powers to prevent intoxication. The
god Bacchus, neglected by the goddess Diana, decided in a fit of
spite that tigers would devour the first person he met. The beautiful
maiden Amethyst crossed his path. When the beasts attacked her, she
called on Diana for protection, and the goddess responded by turning
her to stone. Penitent, Bacchus poured wine over her petrified body,
giving it its purple hue.
One of the first gemstones used by man, Amethyst gave rise to a great
many other legends. It was thought to safeguard soldiers, ensure
victory, aid hunters, protect against diseases, control evil
thoughts, quicken the intelligence, and make its owner shrewd in
business. During the middle ages many Kings and Queens had their
chalices carved from Amethyst Quartz so when consuming wine they
would not get drunk. Eventually, this led to the association of
Purple with the color of royalty.
THE PRICE:
Up, up and away! The price of top quality Amethyst has continued to
soar for the last 18 months. Price increases of 60 - 70% for "gem
material" are not uncommon. Even the less intense shades, if
clean, have risen 20-30%. Mining problems in Brazil, the fall of the
US dollar against world currencies and increased demand from the
American jewelry industry have all contributed to the increase in price.
With the introduction of the Japanese reconstructed (JR) Amethyst ten
years ago most gem dealers expected the price of Amethyst to fall.
Instead, increase demand came from those people desiring The Real
Thing! The introduction of JR forced many gem dealers to test more of
the rough, be more sure of their sources and purchase from a
continually diminishing supply.
