Sideshow ~ Amethyst Druzy Crystal Necklace

Big sparkly natural purple amethyst necklace. Beautiful rich sparkle with tiny dark specks. Soldered and oxidized with my signature technique, open on back. Heavy gauge antiqued silver plate chain. Amethyst is one of the most common and popular gemstone materials. This variety of quartz ranges in color from deep purple to pale lavender depending on the presence of manganese and iron. Amethyst is the birthstone for February. The origin of this gemstone, according to the ancient Greeks, was the nymph named Amethystos. She refused the attentions of Dionysus, the god of wine and intoxication. As he pursued her, she prayed for protection and to preserve her chastity. The virgin goddess Artemis answered her call for help, transforming the nymph into a white or clear stone. The story ends with Dionysus pouring his wine over the stone--either accidentally or deliberately--dyeing the crystal purple. With purple dye being the royal choice in the ancient Mediterranean, the amethyst quickly became