Get a royalty look at an affordable price with February’s birthstone, amethyst.

The February birthstone is amethyst, a gemstone with an overwhelming history of associated magical properties. Since it was fist discovered 5000 years ago in the ancient Egypt, people have attributed it with all sorts of amuletic qualities. Few other gems get so much attention.

In the antiquity, the Egyptians strongly believed that amethyst could prevent the owner from being poisoned. The high ranking officials wore them a lot because of the rivalry that existed for their position.

In medieval times February’s birthstone became the symbol for Christian love and devotement. Churchmen wore amethyst rings and jewelry because they believed they helped them have divine revelations and wisdom.

Putting an amethyst under one’s pillow was thought to cure insomnia and bring beautiful dreams.

How to keep your amethyst in good condition.

For thousand of years it has been a common practice in the jewelry industry to heat treat gemstones. This practice helps amethyst keep its original color and be more resistant. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need take god care of your jewel. Avoid heat or hot steam cleaning.

Being used over the ages as everything from love charms to symbols of royalty status, this member of the quartz family became the February birthstone in the 20th century. It’s a very durable and great looking gem that helps people today have a royalty look at an affordable price.

You can find a wide array of amethyst jewelry at the industry leading distributor, Diamond International.