February’s birthstone is the Amethyst. Amethyst is also the sixth year anniversary gemstone of marriage.
According to Wikipedia, in ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors.
Once amethysts were considered more valuable than diamonds, it occurs naturally as crystals within rocks. Amethyst are considered a “semi-precious” stone. Amethyst is famous for its purple color. Not all amethyst is purple. Amethyst can also be light purple, reddish-purple, bluish-purple, dark purple and there is even almost black in color. In its purest form, amethyst is colorless. The color agent of amethyst is iron. Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethysts have a hardness rating of seven.
How to Care for Amethyst: To clean Amethyst, use a soft toothbrush or cloth and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water to gently scrub the stone. After the stone is washed then rinse it off well with plain water. Sunlight and exposure to heat causes the color of amethysts to deteriorate. Avoid any contact with chemicals including household cleaners and hairspray.
It is believed Amethyst have Metaphysical properties:
- Control temper and emotions.
- It is believed wearing amethyst while drinking wine would prevent the wearer from becoming drunk or being intoxicated.
- To give good moral character.
- To bring love and affection.
- Brings peace and calm to your life.
- Enhance spirit and energy to solve any difficulties and problems.
*Although Amethyst comes in other colors, my fused glass faux “Amethyst” is purple. For the fused glass birthstone version of February’s “Amethyst” I used various shades of purple, violet and pink frit. It is a deep purple but very beautiful. I also created another one (seen in the picture above) it’s purple and has a streak of white for interest.
As I mentioned in the December’s newsletter there are many advantages of fused glass over typical gemstones. Fused Glass is less expensive, more durable (than some birthstones), and can be bigger than typical gemstones. Moreover, Fused Glass gemstones can be made into anything not just earrings, pendants, rings but also key chains, bookmarks, pillboxes etc. As for cleaning a Fused Glass Faux Amethyst, clean with a jewelry cloth, alcohol, or water. Additionally if Fused Glass is scratched, it can normally be repaired without much additional cost, as for an actual gemstone they are not as easy to fix.
Please let me know if you would like a Fused Glass faux Amethyst. If you would like something other than a pendant i.e., a wine stopper, night light, etc., just email me and I can create a custom fused glass piece. At this moment I have not placed my Fused Glass faux “Amethyst” on my sites but if you would like one please email me and I’ll get them on my site as soon as possible.
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