Amethyst

The purple colour of amethyst has inspired stories for centuries. Its name comes from the Greek a-methustos, meaning “not intoxicated,” and is linked to the legend of the nymph Amethystos. To protect her from the unwanted advances of Dionysus, god of wine, she was turned into rock crystal; enraged, Dionysus spilled his cup of wine over her, staining the stone with a deep violet hue. Once considered rare in antiquity, amethyst was later discovered in large deposits in Brazil and Mexico, and subsequently in Belgium, France, Madagascar, Finland and Canada. Admired by the Etruscans and Egyptians for its ornamental beauty, it remained for centuries a material reserved for royalty and high religious figures. Today, its colour and luminosity make it a favourite among designers such as Ivarene, Dorette and Lena Skadegard. Across various cultures, amethyst is associated with symbolic meanings. Some traditions believe it can help ease fear, stress or anger, and support a sense of calm or clarity. It is also sometimes linked with ideas of purification.