Bead embroidered necklace featuring Amethyst ovals and beads.
 
The origin of this gemstone, according to the ancient Greeks, was the nymph Amethystos. She resisted the advances of Dionysus, god of wine and revelry, praying for protection. The goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a clear stone. Dionysus, in despair or regret, poured wine over it—dyeing the crystal purple and creating what we now know as amethyst.  English regalia were decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC.