One gemstone and color that always exclaims extravagance to me is Amethyst. Perhaps its because the color purple has long been associated with royalty. Or, maybe its because in its most precious and rare form, amethyst is as highly prized as the diamond. Ranging in tones from the lightest lilac to the deepest, darkest violet, Amethyst is also well known for being the official February birthstone.
But getting back to extravagance… did you know that the Greek's believed that Amethyst protected those who wore it from drunkenness? As the myth goes, the God of Wine (Dionysus) became angry with a mortal who did not want to partake in the joviality of intoxication from wine. In an extravagant act of fury, Dionysus vowed to get even with all mortals and relentlessly pursued a maiden who had never been intoxicated. Her name was Amethystos.
Like many tragic Greek myths go, Amethystos did not return the Dionysian sentiment and ventured off to seek protection from the God of Wine. This led her to the goddess Artemis who, in reply to Amethysto's desperate pleas for help, turned her into a white crystal stone. When Dionysus learned about how his pursuit of Amethystos, he felt deep regret and sorrow for his actions. So, in tribute to Amethystos, he poured wine over her and that dyed the crystals purple.
So, in honor of Dionysian extravagance and poor Amethysto's plight, I thought it would be nice to end February with a tribute. So, without further ado, enjoy today's
Extravagant in Amethyst showcase featuring these beautiful amethyst-colored creations from some talented jewelry artists over at the online marketplace,
Etsy.
Point of Light Collection - Lavender Amethyst Necklacejetflair.etsy.com
This lavender amethyst necklace has a graceful and modern feel with its 8mm light lavender amethyst gemstone nestled into a concave silver disk with a lavender reflection that delights. The pendant measures just under one inch and comes on an 18 inch sterling silver chain that can be adjusted on request. Available in amethyst and other gemstones from jetflair. Visit her shop
jetflair.etsy.com and under "Necklaces" on her website:
www.distinctionjewelry.comAmethyst Twist NecklaceBellaLuAndMe.etsy.com
Gorgeous peacock blue freshwater pearls gather in a cluster above a large amethyst Swarovski crystal. The necklace and components are sterling silver and the finished length is 17 1/2 inches. Available in amethyst and other colors on request from
BellaLuAndMe.etsy.com who is currently offering free shipping on purchases.
Lilac Blooms Braceletjdeandrade.etsy.com
This beautiful bracelet features a stunning combination of light amethyst and carved Ametrine gemstones that simply bloom. The bracelet is wire wrapped with fine silver and sized at 7 inches and the size can be adjusted up or down on request. Available from
jdeandrae who is offering a special discount of 30% off purchase from her shop. Simply enter "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box at checkout and wait for a revised invoice from the seller before submitting payment. Offer valid 2/27/2009-3/6/2009.
Zen EarringsKalliopeJewelry.etsy.com
Handcrafted faceted lilac amethyst heart briolettes have a zen-like Earring components and lever backs are made from sterling silver and the drop measures approximately 2" from top to bottom. Available from
KalliopeJewelry who is offering all Posh Mama members a special 20% discount on any regularly priced jewelry purchase. To get this discount, enter "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box on any regular priced item and you'll be refunded 20% of the item price after checkout. Offer valid 2/27/2009-3/9/2009.
Amethyst and Fine Silver EarringsSantiamDesigns.etsy.com
A simple amethyst faceted drop delicately hangs from handcrafted ear wires made from fine silver. The earrings are just under 1 1/2 inches in length and arrive in a gift box with a bow. Available from
SantiamDesigns who is offering a 25% discount on purchases made by Posh Mama members. Enter "poshmama" in the Messages to Seller box at check out. Offer Valid 2/27/2009 through 3/6/2009.
Amy EarringsDaringwomen.etsy.com
I really admire the simplicity and grace of this amethyst design. It's a deep purple amethyst cabochon set into sterling silver on sterling silver ear wires. This pretty little pair is handmade and signed by the artist. Available from
daringwomen.etsy.com.
So what do you think? (Pretty extravagant, eh?).
Now before I go…I have to say---
Ooo la la, do we ever have some gorgeous prizes for you today!
The first randomly selected winner will win a stunning pair of these super gorgeous
South Hampton Pink Silver Earrings handcrafted with pink mystic quartz and hammered sterling silver from jdeandrade.etsy.com.
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The second randomly selected winner will win this lovely landscape-inspired
Moon Over Manhattan Butte Pendant that features a hand-carved sterling silver pendant with a single moonstone set into a bezel. It's 18 inches in length and comes on a soft, Greek leather cord that closes with a sterling silver clasp. Created by
jetflair.etsy.com.
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The third randomly selected winner will win a pair of these sweet amethyst-colored
Swarovski Crystal Earrings handmade with 8mm & 4mm Swarovski crystals on oxidized sterling silver wire from
BellaLuAndMe.etsy.com.
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To enter this week's contest:1. Go to
my original blog post on the Posh Mama website.
2. Leave a comment about your favorite jewelry piece from this week's showcase in the Comments section of
my original blog post on the Posh Mama website.
2. The winners will be selected using
www.random.org and announced in next week's Friday Findings post.
Written by Posh Mama
Susan of
Capitola Girl Jewelry and the
Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).
Featured Weekly on
Posh Mama Online Magazine.
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