With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you can give your special someone an amethyst, a beautiful purple stone with colors ranging from palest lilac to violet to a deep, darkest purple.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used amethyst to keep them safe from the powers of Bacchus, the god of wine and intoxication. In fact, amethyst is a variation of the Greek word amethystos, which means remedy against drunkenness.

Some civilizations thought the stone helped keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted, while others reported the stones to aid in memory loss, alleviate headaches and heal bone and heart problems. The stones were also a symbol of royalty during the Middle Ages.

Amethyst is a variety of crystallized quartz, and today is mostly used in jewelry. Brazil is the primary source for amethysts, but the stone can also be found in Uruguay and Zambia.

But no need for a passport to get this beautiful stone for your February-born loved ones: Cash America has jewelry in modern and traditional settings of gold, white gold and platinum! Visit your local Cash America shop near you or the National Jewelry Liquidation Center in Las Vegas to find great deals on quality jewelry.

By: Dena Bridges