Birthstone of the Month: Amethyst

January is finally over and February is here! We think it's a good reason to celebrate, especially if you took part in 'dry January'. Though if you have had one too many don't fret -  February's birthstone, the amethyst, is aptly associated with protecting its wearer from drunkenness! The name Amethyst comes from the ancient Greek ἀ a- ("not") and μέθυστος méthystos ("intoxicated"). 

However, the stone is not just associated with drinking, Tibetans consider the amethyst sacred to the Buddha and make prayer beads from it. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a symbol of royalty and used to decorate English regalia.

Regardless of its connotations, the amethyst is a stunning stone which adds a beautiful splash of colour to jewellery. We have discovered an array fine pieces adorned with amethyst at Grays. Here are our top picks:

Late Victorian amethyst flower brooch, available from the Antique Jewellery Company

Bernard Instone Arts & Crafts silver and amethyst brooch, available from Van Den Bosch

1930s platinum set amethyst ring surrounded by diamonds, available from DIEM

1950s Amethyst cufflinks set in 18ct gold, available from Horton London

Large emerald cut natural ametrine stone (half amethyst, half citrine), 1970s, available from Leila in the Mews

Late Georgian/ Early Victorian collet gold and amethyst, necklace, available from Robin Haydock

15ct yellow gold cabochon amethyst heart pendant surrounded by a border of double row split pearls, available from Spectrum