Amethyst Ring
You can probably buy an amethyst ring almost anywhere.
But it is a good idea to know what you are buying.
Amethysts is composed of a type of violet or purple quartz and the name comes from the greek word ‘a’ for ‘not’, and ‘methuskein’, for ‘to intoxicate’, meaning ‘not getting drunk’.
Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and increase the intelligence. It was also believed to encourage celibacy and rings made of amethyst are often worn by bishops. Similarly, Tibetan Buddhists believe the crystal to be sacred to the Buddha and use amethyst in rosaries
People also believed that the stone protected them from getting drunk and many a drinking vessel has been made of the amethyst stone. Possibly the alcohol reacted with the amethyst and so was not drunk by the individual using as a possible explanation of how this came to be.
Regardless of its improbable nature amethyst can have an intoxicating effect when in the form of gemstones for rings and brooches and other fine jewelery.
When buying amethysts firstly ensure you know something about the gemstone. Reading the information on this website is a good start. Then go out and examine a few amethysts by browsing at various jewelers to see what they look and feel like. Try to examine them in natural light rather than the intense artificial light jewelers have to enhance even the poorer gemstones.
If the stone size is reasonably large get a certificate that states the quality and size of the stone. Check the setting to ensure the stone is not loose and check to see if you can see the underside of the stone.
Practicing due diligence and some good old common sense will go a long way to ensuring that the amethyst ring you are looking at will be a good buy!