Cocktail Ring With Amethyst Precious Stone Set In Sterling Silver

Deriving its name from the ancient Hellenistic Greek: Amethystos meaning “a-“ not and “-methysko” meaning ‘intoxicate’. Both the ancient Greek and Roman societies believed that Amethyst had the ability to protect people from drunkenness, with the ancient Greeks even fashioning drinking vessels and wearing amethyst jewelry.

 The origins of the association with protection from intoxication are disputed, though the most popular tales feature the Greek god Dionysus, god of wine, fertility and festivity and a young maiden named, Amethystos, who was turned into a white stone by the goddess, Artemis for her protection from Dionysus. When he saw what he had caused, he poured wine over the stone, staining it a deep violet hue. You may choose whichever story is more romantic to you, to believe:

 Dionysus, the god of intoxication -and of wine- was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos’s desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.