Amethyst Thistle Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Amethyst

Amethyst is the birthstone of those born in February, and is the zodiac birthstone for those born under the sign Pisces. This is one of very few stones with its unique purple colour, it is a form of Quartz that contains iron and other trace minerals within its structure. It is found in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil where it occurs in large geodes within volcanic rock. It is said to have powerful healing properties that can cleanse, calm and transform. With its meditative use that can promote calm, balance and peace. It is also used to eliminate impatience.

Sterling Silver (925%)

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.