Amethyst – The Stone of Serenity

Amethyst, with its signature violet to purple hue, is a variety of quartz known for its calming and protective energies. Primary sources include Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia, with its color derived from irradiation, impurities of iron, and subsequent heat treatment.

Etymology

The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek “amethystos,” meaning “not intoxicated,” reflecting its historical use as a talisman against drunkenness. Alternative names include: Bishop’s Stone, Violet Quartz.

Cosmic Junction

Amethyst resonates with Neptune, embodying spirituality, intuition, and tranquility. It’s strongly associated with the crown chakra, facilitating spiritual connection, meditation, and peace of mind. Here’s how amethyst has been perceived across cultures:

Buddhist Tradition: Amethyst beads are used in malas for meditation, believed to promote inner peace and clear the mind of negative thoughts.

Greek Mythology: One of the most famous myths tells of Dionysus, who vowed to unleash his tigers on the next person who crossed his path. That person was the nymph Amethystos, whom the goddess Artemis turned into a clear crystal to protect her. Dionysus, remorseful, poured wine over the crystal, staining it purple.

Medieval Europe: Amethyst was considered a gem of royalty, symbolizing piety and celibacy, often used in the adornments of bishops and cardinals to signify their spiritual connection.

Hindu Mythology: While not directly linked to specific deities, amethyst’s color and calming effect align with practices aimed at spiritual enlightenment and meditation, reflecting the pursuit of higher consciousness.

Stainless Steel | 18k PVD Gold Finish

Material Composition: The base material of these earrings includes high-grade stainless steel, commonly types 304 or 316L, known for excellent corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic qualities. Over this, an 18k Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) gold finish is applied, giving the appearance of real gold while enhancing durability.

Manufacturing Process:

• Material Selection: Opt for high-quality stainless steel for the base, which ensures longevity and resistance to tarnishing.
• PVD Coating Preparation: The stainless steel is cleaned and prepared for the PVD process to ensure adhesion of the gold layer.
• PVD Application: Gold atoms are vaporized in a vacuum chamber and deposited onto the steel in a process that bonds the gold at an atomic level, creating a hard, durable gold coating.
• Cutting & Shaping: After coating, the steel is cut and shaped into the desired forms, like fish/french hooks for earrings.
• Polishing & Finishing: The gold-coated steel is polished to enhance the finish’s luster and smoothness.
• Quality Control: Each piece is checked for uniformity of the gold layer, adherence to jewelry standards, and overall integrity.

Why They Don’t Oxidize

The stainless steel base forms a protective chromium oxide layer which prevents rust. The PVD gold coating adds another layer of protection, making the jewelry highly resistant to oxidation, even in humid or salty environments.

Magnetic Properties

Similar to plain stainless steel, the 18k PVD gold finish does not alter the magnetic properties significantly. The stainless steel might still have slight magnetic qualities based on its composition or processing, but this is not affected by the PVD layer.

Hypoallergenic Assurance

The gold PVD coating further seals the nickel content within the stainless steel, reducing the likelihood of skin reactions. This combination ensures that the earrings are suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies to base metals.