From the hallowed crowns of ancient kings to the fingertips of contemporary jewelry aficionados worldwide, amethyst boasts a rich and vibrant history...
For thousands of years, the regal hue of purple has been synonymous with royalty, owing to the scarcity of purple dyes derived from exotic shellfish and sea snails.
Reserved exclusively for the elite and occasionally the clergy, this luxurious color found its way into the world of gems, earning amethyst the moniker of 'The Royal Gemstone' and surpassing even diamonds in value at certain historical moments. It was used to decorate regalia across many diverse cultures, from ancient Egypt to modern-day Great Britain.
The Victorian era witnessed a transformative shift as synthetic dyes democratized the color purple, while the discovery of the world's largest amethyst mine in the 1800s made this gem more accessible to collectors.
As its popularity soared, amethyst shed its royal associations to become a symbol of love and affection among Victorians, often exchanged as heartfelt tokens on occasions like Valentine's Day.
As noted in the 1856 book, Jewelry and the Precious Stones by author Joseph Rupert Paxton, amethysts "showed best" when set into necklaces and pendants, though their uses for adornment know no bounds.
Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your own wardrobe or are in search of the perfect Valentine's gift, explore our hand-picked collection at our Downtown Franklin showroom or browse our collection online.
We're here to assist and can't wait to hear from you!
Julie and the Walton's Team
