Amethyst

Catherine the Great (Empress Catherine II of Russia, 1729–1796) had a penchant for amethyst and decked herself in amethyst necklaces, earrings and other ornaments. Amethyst is the most prized member of the quartz family, thought to keep its wearers clear-headed and quick-witted. The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against […]