Amethyst Beads

Amethyst Beads
The mining of Amethyst gemstone, has encompassed a long history in various regions of the world, and has been historically excavated in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Zambia, Namibia and other parts of Africa. Dark colored natural Amethyst beads, which tend to be smaller in size than more pale-colored samples come from Australia. Smooth and faceted Amethyst beads can be purchased in colors ranging from pale lilac to royal purple shades. The pale colored Amethyst, which has a soft lilac tint, is sometimes called “Rose de France” and these paler stones were popular with Victorian ladies in Europe and the United States.

The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word methustos, meaning “not” and “intoxicated”. The Ancient Greeks believed that wearing the stone and drinking out of amethyst cups would protect it's wearer from becoming intoxicated. According to Greek legend, there is an association with purple-wine shades and amethyst. Hence the legend of the origin of amethyst comes to us from the Mediterranean region. One day Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was in a vengeful mood due to an insult from a mortal. He decided to take out his wrath on the next unsuspecting mortal that he encountered and decided on a plan. After creating tigers to carry out his wish, unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Artemis, appeared. But Artemis turned Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from Dionysus's roaming tigers. At the sight of the beautiful statue, Dionysus is recorded to have wept tears of wine, staining the quartz purple and creating the gem amethyst.

Various other legends attest to old beliefs that wearers of amethyst gemstone beads become clear-headed and quick-witted in every battle, as well as in their business affairs. According to another legend, Saint Valentine also wore an amethyst ring carved in the shape of cupid. Cleopatra was said to have worn a spectacular amethyst ring which symbolized love, light and life. Apparently, Leonardo Da Vinci believed that the stone could banish evil thoughts and enhance intelligence. The Tibetans also hold Amethyst as sacred as a representation of Buddha, and the stone has been popular with both Tibetan and Chinese craftsmen for centuries.

There are many shapes and sizes of gemstone beads available to the bead-worker and jeweler. Today, beautiful faceted beads are very popular, and the lovely reflective gems look marvelous with sterling silver beads and chains, and set in gold and platinum settings as well. House of gems stocks wonderful wholesale amethyst beads in tear drop styles, round faceted styles and in attractive round and oval shapes. We have all the prettiest beads to match your project needs; for stunning looks and great economy!