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While it might not seem like it, there's more to February than Valentine's Day. The month is also host to New York Fashion Week and President's Day (which means a day off work for some!). Plus, your birthday might fall within its 28 days. If not? No matter — you're going to want to read on.
February's birthstone, amethyst, is rich in legend and symbolism. "Historically, there was a belief that like could cure like," Doyle & Doyle founder Elizabeth Doyle told us. "Therefore, amethyst — the color of wine — was believed to prevent drunkenness." To that end, the purple stone is linked with Bacchus, the god of wine, and it is thought to make its wearers clearer-headed and quicker-witted.
In The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals, author Florence Mégemont elaborates on how the stone achieved its brilliant hue. According to the Roman poet Ovid, "Amethyst was a nymph pursued by Bacchus. Wanting to escape from him, she called on Diana. The goddess came to her rescue by transforming her into a shiny stone, in 'pure, cold crystal.' Bacchus, furious, threw his glass filled with wine on this stone, which gave it its colorful hue." Of course, science explains the coloring via the presence of iron.
Intrigued? Find out more about amethyst in the slideshow. We've accompanied our fun facts with 15 gorgeous rings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings for you to shop.
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