Jewelry Box

Amethysts are a beautiful and brilliant variety of quartz, often purple in color. And because the stone has been around for so long, there are many oddities and superstitions that surround them.

To begin with, amethyst derives from the Ancient Greek for “not intoxicated,” because ancient wearers believed that amethysts were imbued with the power to stop drunkenness. For that reason, they were even known to fashion drinking cups out of the stone. Ancient Egyptians were also fond of amethysts and were known to wear them often. Medieval Europeans continued the tradition of wearing amethysts for their purported powers. At times, they wore amethyst pendants into battle with the steadfast belief that they could keep them out of harm’s way.

Today, the stone a popular and beautiful embellishment for rings, earrings or an amethyst necklace. Amethyst is the official birthstone of February, so it remains a perfect gift for the modern woman as well.

More and more often couples are tiring of traditional wedding themes, and looking for unique alternatives. An Irish or Celtic wedding theme, for example, is a way of getting in touch with Irish heritage, while keeping your ceremony different from other ceremonies. Throughout history most Celtic wedding ceremonies were held during one of the four major festivals; Beltane, Lughnassadh, Samhain, or Imbolc. For couples planning winter wedding themes, planning the wedding during Imbolc, which starts on Feb. 1, would be the logical choice.

Many looking forward to a Celtic-themed wedding will choose Celtic-love-knot wedding bands, or an emerald ring to symbolize the Emerald Isle. Those couples also may choose to don traditional Irish dress for the ceremony. Brides who decide to wear a traditional Celtic wedding dress may also wear a colorful Kinsale cloak. Grooms may wear traditional Celtic garb to match the bride, or a green cummerbund and tie.