AME-R-03 Origin: Brazil Grade: A+ Dimensions: 01-05g - Approximately 10-15mm 05-10g - Approximately 15-25mm 10-20g - Approximately 25-30mm 20-30g - Approximately 30-40mm 30-40g - Approximately 40-50mm Origin: Brazil Grade: A+ = very high Chevron or banded amethyst tumbled stone from Brazil Sold individually Weight from 01-5g to 30-40g Shapes and colors may vary from one stone to another For thousands of years, amethyst has been widely used in jewelry making. This stone pairs very well with gold. In fact, for many years, amethyst held the same value as diamonds. Then, a large quantity of amethysts was discovered in South America, which greatly reduced its value. In ancient Egypt, this stone was used to carve seals and amulets. Soldiers wore it to ward off fear. It also had the power to bring rain during droughts. However, the name of this gemstone is of Greek origin. Methystos means intoxication and the prefix "a" indicates negation. Amethyst is thus associated with sobriety. Several legends tell the origin of amethyst, but the most well-known are those of Amethystos. In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine and intoxication, is known for his excess and madness. One day, he fell madly in love with Amethystos, a young nymph. He desired her greatly and began to court her. But Amethystos wished to remain chaste and refused Dionysus's advances. Amethystos turned to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, to ask for her help. Artemis decided to protect her and transformed her into a white crystal statue. Mad with rage and humiliation, Dionysus poured wine over the precious statue, which then took on an intense and pure violet color. Another version of this legend tells that Dionysus, after several humiliations by humans, decided to take revenge. He unleashed tigers on humans. The first encounter was with Amethystos, a beautiful and gentle young woman. So Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, transformed her into a white quartz statue to protect her from Dionysus's wrath. Regretting his outburst of violence, he poured wine over the statue as an offering. The statue then took on a magnificent violet hue. In Christianity, amethyst was a symbol of purity and humility because Joseph had given one to Mary. This stone also represents love. Indeed, Saint Valentine, the priest behind the celebration of lovers, always wore a beautiful amethyst around his neck. Among Christians, amethyst also represents the symbol of fidelity. In fact, Vatican Bishops all wear a ring with an amethyst, signifying their devotion to the Church. During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci used it to dispel negative thoughts and boost his creative intelligence. He noted this use of amethyst in one of his precious notebooks. In the past, among nobles, amethyst chalices were used to counteract poisoning attempts during banquets. Or wine was sometimes poured into amethyst cups. This enhanced the color of the wine and allowed, over time, the...