Legends About Amethyst: The Gem of Sobriety

February 20, 2023

By Katerina Perez

15 min read

Amethyst (from the Greek “amethystos”, meaning “not drunken”) is widely known for its ability to prevent intoxication. Is that something you’ve heard before? Do you know where it comes from? I shall tell you and share some of my favourite amethyst jewellery designs for good measure…

Long ago, in Ancient Greece, wine was not quite like what we drink today; it was very thick, syrupy and strong. To ensure it would keep for longer, a kind of pin resin known as turpentine was added to it. However, the Greeks didn’t understand that this cocktail could cause drunkenness in minutes. The ethical norms of that time stipulated that being drunk was shameful behaviour, so to solve this problem, wine was diluted with water. The violet shade of amethyst was used as an indicator of the optimal concentration: diluted wine is paler, similar to the colour of purple quartz and, correspondingly, less intoxicating.

Model wearing gold, amethyst and diamond earrings and ring by Palmiero Jewellery Design

Model wearing gold, amethyst and diamond earrings and ring by Palmiero Jewellery Design

There is another legend associated with amethysts and sobriety. This story also comes from Ancient Greece, alleging that Artemis, the goddess of hunting, saved a nymph, Amethystos, from the advances of Dionysus, the god of wine. He was in love with Amethystos, but she refused him because she was enamoured with Sirikos, a handsome shepherd and musician.

In his anger, Dionysus pursued Amethystos and decided to overcome her by force. To save herself, the nymph started to call for Artemis, the protector of innocence. The goddess came to help and had already prepared her bow to fire arrows at Dionysus, but then she remembered that Zeus did not tolerate such disputes on Olympus. So as not to anger the god of thunder, Artemis contrived to turn the nymph into a crystal of violet amethyst, which fell to the ground and was lost, leaving Dionysus with nothing. Thus, in memory of Amethystos, who refused the god of wine and merriment, the stone was considered a means of avoiding drunkenness, encouraging common sense and having good luck when hunting or participating in sports competitions.

Model wearing emerald and amethyst earring by Emily P. Wheeler

Model wearing emerald and amethyst earring by Emily P. Wheeler

 Model wearing green and purple amethyst jewellery by Anne Sisteron

Model wearing green and purple amethyst jewellery by Anne Sisteron

 Suzanne Kalan gold, amethyst and diamond bracelet

Suzanne Kalan gold, amethyst and diamond bracelet

 Jenny Dee Jewelry ring in gold and amethyst

Jenny Dee Jewelry ring in gold and amethyst

 Drawing of a solitaire amethyst ring by Atelier Spilateri

Drawing of a solitaire amethyst ring by Atelier Spilateri

As the birthstone of February, it is also said that Saint Valentine himself wore a signet ring set with a carved amethyst intaglio depicting the image of Cupid, the god of desire. Another famous figure, Mary Queen of Scots, was said to wear an amethyst to ward off melancholy.

Aside from folklore, it is also worth noting that amethyst is one of the most ancient stones in jewellery making. It was traded among the merchants and dignitaries of Rome and Egypt while providing the perfect mineral canvas for cameos and intaglios. In the Middle Ages, it would not have been deemed unusual to see amethyst cabochons set in rings, brooches, and cloak fastenings. It was also a gemstone admired by the church, perhaps for its links to piety and humility, which is why popes, bishops and royalty wore amethyst. Examples of the gem can be found in the British Crown Jewels.

When amethysts were discovered in abundance in Brazil in the early 19th century, this led to an influx of new specimens onto the European gem market that could be afforded by the extremely wealthy and those trying to climb the social ranks. In the 1830s, Russian Emperor Alexander I presented Frances, Third Marchioness of Londonderry, with Siberian amethysts possessing a supremely covetable deep purple-red hue. This no doubt fuelled the desire for amethysts at all social levels.

Harry Winston jewels in platinum, cabochon amethysts, rubellites, peridots, aquamarines, tsavorites, sapphires and diamonds

Harry Winston jewels in platinum, cabochon amethysts, rubellites, peridots, aquamarines, tsavorites, sapphires and diamonds

 Actress and model Lucy Hale wearing gold, cabochon amethyst and diamond jewels by Jacquie Aiche

Actress and model Lucy Hale wearing gold, cabochon amethyst and diamond jewels by Jacquie Aiche

 Lionheart gold, amethyst and diamond ring

Lionheart gold, amethyst and diamond ring

 Lily Gabriella gold, amethyst and pink sapphire ring

Lily Gabriella gold, amethyst and pink sapphire ring

 Model wearing gold and amethyst necklace by Nakard

Model wearing gold and amethyst necklace by Nakard

 Model wearing gold, coloured gemstones and amethyst rings by Yvonne Leon

Model wearing gold, coloured gemstones and amethyst rings by Yvonne Leon

Interestingly, amethyst had fallen out of favour by the early 20th century. It is not something we see in Art Deco designs, for example. However, after World War II, there was an amethyst revival in ‘Retro’ jewellery, with an emblematic piece being a Cartier amethyst, turquoise and diamond collar acquired by the Duchess of Windsor, Wallace Simpson, in 1947.

To this day, amethyst maintains its status as one of the most popular gems due to its abundance, colour and accessible price. It can be readily purchased as faceted gemstones, rough crystals and geode clusters. It is a member of the quartz family and sits at seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. It isn’t as hardy as you might expect, so proceed cautiously when amethysts are worn in rings or bracelets.

Bulgari gold, amethyst, emerald, ruby and diamond brooch

Bulgari gold, amethyst, emerald, ruby and diamond brooch

You might also be surprised to learn that the colour of some amethyst gems can fade when exposed to sunlight over time, so be careful how you store your jewels. It is also advised not to use an ultrasonic cleaner on amethyst jewels in case this interferes with small cracks or internal fractures and leads to damage. You have been warned! Legends about amethyst are some of the most fascinating that I have encountered. The idea that a humble quartz crystal can cure drunkenness (or, indeed, prevent a hangover) is a wonderful fantasy that has stood the test of time. What I know for sure, however, is that amethyst is full of characterful beauty in all its shades, whether pale washes of lilac or rich deep purple tinged with red.

Brent Neale •

Brent Neale •

Gold, amethyst and sapphire earrings

Andrew Geoghegan •

Andrew Geoghegan •

Lets Fly Kite ring in gold, amethyst and diamond

Bowen NYC •

Bowen NYC •

Gigi Ferranti •

Gigi Ferranti •

Lucia ring in gold, pink sapphire and amethyst

Ashley Zhang •

Ashley Zhang •

Antique Amethyst band in gold

Chaumet •

Chaumet •

Alveole ring in gold, amethyst and diamond

Ara Vartanian •

Ara Vartanian •

White gold, amethyst and emerald ring

Dale Novick •

Dale Novick •

Gold ring featuring a 25-ct amethyst

Yoko London •

Yoko London •

White gold, amethyst, pearl and diamond earrings

Eden Presley •

Eden Presley •

Gold, amethyst, coloured gemstones and diamond ring

Fabio Salini •

Fabio Salini •

Gold, carbon, amethyst and diamond cuff

Fernando Jorge •

Fernando Jorge •

Orchidea Lilac bracelet in gold, amethyst, lavender jadeite, kunzite and diamond

Alessio Boschi •

Alessio Boschi •

Flame ring in gold, coloured gemstones and amethyst

Bulgari •

Bulgari •

Gold, amethyst and coloured gemstones necklace

Gemella •

Gemella •

Gold, amethyst and turquoise necklace

Gübelin Jewellery •

Gübelin Jewellery •

Stackable Lily Dew rings in gold, amethyst, green tourmaline and diamond

Kavant & Sharart •

Kavant & Sharart •

Gold and amethyst earrings

Kiki McDonough •

Kiki McDonough •

Gold, amethyst and diamond earrings

Minka Jewels •

Minka Jewels •

Gold and amethyst ring

Moussaieff •

Moussaieff •

White gold, amethyst and pink sapphire ring

Piaget •

Piaget •

Limelight Cocktail Party ring in white gold, amethyst, sapphire and diamond

Pomellato •

Pomellato •

NUDO necklace in rose gold, amethyst and diamond

Boghossian •

Boghossian •

White gold, amethyst, ruby and diamond earrings

Ray Griffiths •

Ray Griffiths •

Gold and amethyst braceleet

Shaun Leane •

Shaun Leane •

Aurora Ring in white gold amethyst and ruby ring

Theo Fennell •

Theo Fennell •

Large Bee Drop earrings in gold, amethyst and diamond

Sig Ward •

Sig Ward •

Gold, amethyst and diamond ring

The Vit •

The Vit •

Gold, amethyst, enamel and diamond necklace

Isabelle Langlois •

Isabelle Langlois •

White gold, amethyst and diamond ring

K&Co •

K&Co •

Gold, amethyst, turquoise, emerald and diamond necklace

Misahara •

Misahara •

Gold, amethyst, coloured gemstones and diamond brooch

Yi Collection •

Yi Collection •

Gold, amethyst and emerald earrings

Ananya •

Ananya •

Gold, amethyst, mother of pearl, sapphire and diamond earrings

Madly Gems •

Madly Gems •

Gold, amethyst, coloured gemstones and diamond ring

TOKTAM •

TOKTAM •

Gold and amethyst necklace

Palmiero •

Palmiero •

Gold, amethyst, coloured gemstones and diamond ring

Bea Bongiasca •

Bea Bongiasca •

Gold, amethyst and enamel ring

Must-Have Jewels: Five Essentials for the Perfect Capsule Collection

continue reading

Essential Passion: The Artistic Pursuits of Mehragin Rahmati of Mergin Jewelry 

Jewellery can be thoughtful and insular, or it can be effusive and bold and full of character that makes it stand out from the crowd. I would put the colourful and charismatic creations of Mehragin Rahmati into the latter camp because of their attention-grabbing silhouettes, unusual structures, and confident mineral palettes.

by Katerina Perez

Maestro of Masterpieces: New High Jewels in the Picchiotti Classics Collection

Ahead of this year’s Couture show in Las Vegas, Picchiotti has revealed some of the latest additions to its high jewellery repertoire, including new suites in the Picchiotti Classics collection.

by Sarah Jordan

Reasons to Shop: The Moments that Demand a Fresh Jewellery Purchase 

There's no rule that says you need a reason to buy a new piece of jewellery, but sometimes, a little encouragement makes the decision even more exciting. If you're looking for a playful excuse to book your next jewellery appointment, here are a few irresistible reasons to treat yourself.

by Hirshi Sujanti

Grecian Glamour: The Designers Preparing to Spotlight Greek Style at JCK Las Vegas

Recently, I was approached by the organisers of a special ‘Greek mission’ who are supporting 11 independent designers and brands as they seek to make their mark at JCK Las Vegas from June 6-9, 2025. Below, I would like to introduce you to each of the businesses participating in this incredible showcase of Greek design, ingenuity and craftsmanship.

by Katerina Perez

Naked Attraction: The Best High Jewellery of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival 

Here’s a rundown of some of the best Cannes jewellery looks from the 78th annual festival (May 13-24), including the likes of Dakota Johnson, Angelina Jolie, and Natalie Portman, who all make striking jewellery the star of their ensembles

by Sarah Jordan

In Conversation: Discussing Paraiba — The Legacy of a Color with Vogue Singapore

The conversation encouraged both myself and Kevin Ferreira, my co-author, to recall exactly why we wrote Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color, and I am pleased to share more with you below

by Katerina Perez

Semi-Precious vs Precious Gemstones: Why the Old Labels No Longer Work

I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked myself: what really sets so-called precious and semi-precious stonesapart? Is it their rarity? Colour? Durability? Value? Or is it simply tradition—an outdated hierarchy we’ve inherited without question

by Katerina Perez

Larger than Life: New Mineral Masterpieces and Global Adventures with Margot McKinney 

Let’s take a closer look at the pieces and places that have helped to shape the Margot McKinney brand over the last 12 months, including the rather sensational Marina, Aurora and Bloem necklaces

by Katerina Perez

Male Adornment: The Evolution of Men’s Jewellery from the 1400s Until Today

Men's jewellery is often overlooked, yet its history is both rich and cyclical. Over the past six centuries, the popularity of male adornments has fluctuated, reflecting shifts in fashion, status, and cultural values. Here, Amanda Triossi examines the reasons behind male jewellery, along with its periods of abundance and decline.

by Amanda Triossi

Perfect Proposal: The Top 10 Engagement Ring Mistakes to Avoid 

The moment you start thinking about proposing, everything shifts. Ordinary things become significant: dinner out, a walk in the park, a glance at their jewellery box. And then comes "the ring": a symbol of love, yes, but also a silent spokesperson for everything you feel and hope for. No pressure, right?

by Claire Roberts

Couture Show 2025: The Top 10 Debutants Heading to Las Vegas 

The much anticipated Couture Show will return to Wynn Las Vegas from June 4-8, 2025, shining a spotlight on established design talent, new creatives, and international brands that are vying for attention on the global stage. Just like in previous years, I am focusing my attention on the debutants

by Katerina Perez

Designing the Future: Revealing the Winners of the Katerina Perez x Osmium Institute Design Contest

What a ride it has been, witnessing such pure creative energy and original thinking, especially with a material as rare and futuristic as osmium

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Legacy of Love:The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.