Amethyst Semi-precious Gem Stone

Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglio engraved gems.

The Greeks believed amethysts could prevent intoxication, while medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle in the belief that amethysts heal people and keep them cool-headed. Beads of amethyst were found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an amethyst, an allusion to the description of the Apostles as “not drunk” at Pentecost in Acts 2:15. Reference: Wikipedia

Amethyst and Pearl Cameo — A pearl, enamel and amethyst cameo brooch The amethyst cameo carved to depict a maiden in profile within a surround of black enamel set with half-pearls and rose-cut diamond highlights, indistinct maker’s mark, French assay marks, length 4.5cm. Sold for £2,500 at Bonhams

Amethyst intaglio 3rd Century BC — Amethyst intaglio engraved with the head of a maenad wearing an ivy-wreath. 3rd Century BC.© The Trustees of the British Museum

Amethyst Lion Cameo — AN ANTIQUE AMETHYST CAMEO, DIAMOND, CABOCHON RUBY AND GOLD PENDANT NECKLACE The carved amethyst lion, light purple, set with cabochon ruby eyes, holding an old mine-cut diamond ring in it’s mouth, within a rose and yellow gold foliate frame decorated with a club, sabre, ax and horn, the reverse set with an oval glass in gold frame, opening as a locket, minor repair evident, suspended from a carved amethyst and gold link chain, circa 1880’s, 14½ ins., shows signs of normal wear, overall condition good Pendant 2¼ x 1¾ ins. Sold for USD 9,600 at Christies

Gold, Amethyst Cameo and Diamond Pendant-Necklace 18 kt., 28 round & 4 rectangular-cut diamonds ap. 1.50 cts., ap. 51 dwts. Length 17 inches. Sold for $3,437 at Doyle New York

14kt GOLD LOCKET WITH AMETHYST INTAGLIO ROSE. Sold for $300 at Echoes Antiques & Auction Gallery, Inc.

Late Republican Roman amethyst intaglio portrait of a man. ca. 50–40 B.C. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

An important Prussian Royal jewelled three-colour gold and hardstone desk seal, circa 1815-1820 the faceted slightly grey agate stem between gold mounts richly chased with coloured gold rose garlands on a sablé ground, further set with amethysts and surmounted by an onyx cameo of Cupid welcoming a friendly hound, the strip-pierced base similarly decorated and containing the large oval citrine matrix engraved with a coat of arms, unmarked, in a later Victorian leather case stamped ‘Watherston & Son’. Sold for 22,500 GBP at Sothebys

Vertical oval cameo/intaglio. Pale purplish translucent amethyst bead, pierced through and attached with revolving pin to gold ring. One side is domed and carved in the form of a scarab beetle. The other side is flat and depicts a faun or satyr with a short tail, naked except for a cloak flying from his shoulders. He is standing on his right leg facing right, his left leg drawn up possibly in order to adjust his sandle. In the field a shepherd’s crook. Hatched border. Set in a gold ring. Victoria and Albert Museum

The art of engraving gemstones can be traced back to ancient Greece in the 8th century BC and earlier. Techniques passed down to the Egyptians and then to the Romans. There were major revivals of interest in engraved gems in Europe during the Byantine era, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and again in the 18th and 19th centuries. At each stage cameos and intaglios, these skillful carvings on a minute scale, were much prized and collected, sometimes as symbols of power mounted in jewelled settings, sometimes as small objects for private devotion or enjoyment. The scarab is an ancient symbol dating back to around 8,000 BC. For the ancient Egyptians, the scarab beetle pushing the ball of dung containing its eggs was a metaphor for the daily passage of the sun across the sky, and thus for the concept of rebirth. Carved scarabs exist from giants 15 metres long and 9 metres high, to tiny amulets used as charms or in burials, and seal stones or ornaments for personal use. Materials used vary according to perceived properties of the stone, or intended use. The popularity of scarabs as charms and ornaments persisted, and they continued to be made, the skill passing from Egypt to Greece, and thence to Italy. The intaglio carving on the flat underside of this one places it in Italy around 300 BC. Victoria & Albert Museum