Months in the Calendar
February, Birthstone Amethyst

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February

Februarius is named after Februa a purification festival.

Astrological signs

Aquarius Jan 21–Feb. 21  Pisces Feb 22–March 21

February's Birthstone is Amethyst

A good quality amethyst will be a rich deep purple gem, but paler tones of lilacs to rose amethysts are available to suit many tastes and price ranges.  The amethyst birthstone is very hard wearing and this makes it a good jewellery buy.

The amethyst is the stone of Saint Valentine and was once the stone of Royals as purple was the colour of power.  It is the perfect gemstone to give as a Valentines jewellery gift on Saint Valentine's Day, celebrated on 14 February each year.

Derivation of amethyst - Latin amethystos (sober).  The stone is believed to protect wearers from getting too intoxicated with alcohol.

These diamond and amethyst earrings with matching pendant are by Kiran Nirankari, a very talented and unique jewellery designer.  Born in India and having lived mostly in the USA, she has very skilfully blended the ancient jewellery techniques of India.

These techniques include meena (enamelling), kundan (gold foil used in setting Polkis) and polkis (flat real diamonds) with the western designs.  She uses coloured stones such as topaz, peridots, citrines and amythest. On these she skilfully designs pieces of jewellery in the kundan style. These artistically designed stones are then made into very attractive western style jewellery.

She has also designed jewellery using the ancient style of Thewa. This uses 24k gold on coloured glass to blend with contemporary designs.  Her special feature is that she makes one-of-a-kind pieces, always making newer designs. You can see and appreciate her designs at her website www.kirann.com

Birthstones of the Calendar

The name of many calendar months have Latin derivations.  Birthstones were initially linked to the Zodiac, but now are linked to calendar months.  Birthstones have always been thought to have magical powers within them with such powers passed to the wearer of the gem.  This idea has been revived by new age followers who extol the virtues of natural quartz crystals. They emphasise the importance of good harmony, energy, chi, balance, and healing.  In addition the stones are often very pretty!  Talismanic Jewellery has gained new importance since the millennium.

Individuals often feel special wearing jewellery corresponding to their own birthstones.  Many people develop collections based around a fondness for their own particular birthstone.  Some months of the year have two or three stones as birthstones.  New gems and semi precious stones have become more popular.  Cultures have merged and mixed so much in the past 100 years, that original lists of birthstones popular in any one country have tended to merge so that several stones are often featured in lists.