A delightful Ring of 925 Sterling Silver features 1.97cts of softly colored Rose Quartz and 0.44cts of Amethyst.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 2.79g
Number of Gemstones: 15
Shape: Oval & Round
Total Carat Weight: 2.41cts
Rose Quartz
Birthstone Month:
Rose Quartz is associated with the birthstone month of January.
History & Lore:
There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the
name Quartz, but there are two which are the most widely accepted opinions: the word Quartz is derived from the Greek 'krystallos', meaning “ice”, or the German 'quarz'.
Some primitive tools made by man some 2.5 million years ago, were discovered in the Omo valley in Ethiopia. These tools were made of Quartz. It is believed Quartz was used because of its hardness and isotropic brittleness that made the fashioning of the tools fairly easy.
Chipped flint projectile points used for fire-making have been found on Neanderthal sites in Western Europe dating back around 40,000 years.
Additionally, certain varieties of Quartz were used for divination. Spherical Quartz rock crystals were often shaped into crystal balls and used for disease diagnosis and awareness of events occurring in distant places.
During World War II there was major production of synthetic Quartz. It was used to supply crystals for radios. Today, it is not only used for gemstone purposes, but also as a raw chemical ingredient in the manufacturing of abrasives, cements, concrete, porcelain, glass, and many other industrial materials.
Quartz has piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, and is often used in the production of watches, clocks, computers, and radios.
In 1966, Rose Quartz became South Dakota's
official mineral.
It is believed to balance the emotions, giving inner peace and harmony. It is said to calm aggression and enhance sensitivity, compassion, patience and forgiveness, while increasing self-esteem and self-confidence.
Physically, it is believed to help treatdepression and assist in weight loss. It can aid in the proper functioning of the kidneys, adrenals, sex organs, liver, lungs and heart. It is also believed to increase fertility and protect against radiation.
Rose Quartz crystals are a rarity. When first discovered, they were initially dismissed as fakes by mineralogist from around the world.
Special care should be taken when wearing them in jewelry as they can chip or crack easily.
Amethyst
Birthstone Month:
Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February.
History & Lore:
The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos which translates as “not drunken”. This word in turn is
believed to originate in the Greek legend of Dionysus, the god of wine and mischief, who was angered by an insult from a mere mortal. As a result of this insult, he swore revenge against the next mortal who crossed his path.
The next unfortunate mortal to cross the path of Dionysus was a beautiful young lady named Amethyst who was on her way to pay
tribute to the goddess Diana. The goddess Diana saw Amethyst's plight, and seeing she was in danger, Diana transformed Amethyst into a pure, clear crystalline quartz statue to protect her. Upon seeing the beautiful clear quartz statue Dionysus regretted his actions. He wept tears of wine over it in remorse. This wine, in the form of tears from a god, stained the clear quartz purple creating the gemstone we know today as Amethyst.
Through the years it has been thought toprotect against intoxication and to help maintain a sober and serious mind. Amethyst has a long association with royalty. It is in fact, featured in jewels worn by Catherine the Great, Egyptian royalty and in the British Crown Jewels.
Amethyst opens and activates the crown chakra, the third eye chakra, and can also open the heart chakra. It can be used to fight a number of disorders including headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders, heart disorders, digestive system disorders, and has even been thought to help stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst also works emotionally and spiritually by providing patience, balance, calmness, and peace.
Major sources of Amethyst are Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia, there are also known deposits in Argentina, Australia, Germany, India, Iran, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United Sates (Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas).
It
can be used for all jewelry purposes. Amethyst is found in a variety of hues of purple including deep purple, light lilac, lavender and mauve. The most prized color is a deep, rich, violet body with red rose colored flashes. Though relatively inexpensive when compared with other gemstones, it is the most desirable and the most valuable of all of the Quartz family of gemstones.
The number one rule of thumb with Amethyst is to try to keep it clean. Use warm soapy water, and a soft brush to clean. Ultrasonic cleaners are also usually safe. With Amethyst gemstones and jewelry you should avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat as prolonged exposure can cause color change.