A favourite material of ancient cultures, amethyst has endured the ages as one of man's most prized possessions. Over the years as tastes change, so too does our interpretation of amethyst. Naturally ranging in colour from a very light lavender to deep violet shades, enhanced amethyst is a new way to introduce a more diverse colour range and aesthetic to amethyst.
Enhancement of amethyst may take a variety of forms. Some enhanced amethyst specimens boast a metallic finish, caused when the stone is plated with a metal. To start, the amethyst is selected, then treated via an electrostatic process whereby the stones are put into a vacuum and charged. Heat is applied. The plating metal of choice is then put into the vacuum and it "clings" to the stone, giving it an entirely unique quality of iridescence or colour.
The Rainbow Druze effect is created with the help of Titanium.
Interestingly, this process was first created as a way to protect the exterior of the space shuttle during exit and re-entry of the atmosphere. The theory was that the plated metal would add the protective properties of metal without the weight. Unfortunately for the aesthetic of space travel, this hypothesis was quickly disproved. Today, this plating process continues to evolve in conjunction to amethyst and other gemstones as an enhancement method.
Some believe that amethyst has calming and protective qualities and that wearing amethyst will increase inspiration and intuition. Enhanced gemstones are believed to amplify the already present properties of amethyst, while the finish serves as a reminder to continue to look to the future.
Metal display stand is glued to the piece and is not detachable.