Lapis Lazuli & Amethyst Sterling Silver Pendant

The traditional birthstone for February is Amethyst, a variety of quartz that comes in a range of purple shades and can display some lovely stripes and banding. Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglio engraved gems. A legend from ancient Greece tells us that a maiden called Amethyst was turned into a quartz crystal by the goddess Diana, to protect her from the attentions of Dionysus, god of drunkenness and frivolity! Once he saw what had happened, Dionysus was full of repentance and poured away his goblet of wine, forever staining the clear crystal purple. To this day, amethyst (from the word 'ametusthos' or 'not intoxicated') is used as a charm against drunkenness and to keep one calm and in control.

Why do silversmiths use 925%? Measured in parts per thousand, pure silver (999%) is too soft so silversmiths mix it with other metals to make it it harder. The purer the metal, the higher the polish, but it is a lot softer (thus less durable). The harder the metal is, the more hard wearing the jewellery is, but it will also tarnish easier as it has less silver content. Therefore, the silver industry set a standard percentage content for fine silver (925); what we know as "sterling silver". At Two Skies our silversmiths use 925 (sterling) silver for ring shafts and moving parts, and a very high 950% on our stones settings, which enables us to get a strong jewellery item with a beautiful and secure stone setting, without any gluing. Each piece of our jewellery is hand stamped with our Two Skies Hallmark alongside the recognised industry 925 Hallmark.

Relax - you can shop with confidence at Two Skies.  If you change your mind, simply get in touch to let us know you want to return one or all of your items within 7 days of receiving your order, and we'll get a replacement/refund arranged - no quibbles!