.999 fine silver is whiter in appearance than .925 sterling silver and tarnishes less. It does not trigger allergies in people sensitive to nickel or other alloys.
Amethyst is an extremely sought-after gem which has been valued by many civilizations since antiquity. A variety of vitreous quartz, amethyst often forms dramatic prismatic crystals which are often formed into jewelry without being cut. Brazil and Uruguay are common sources of high quality amethyst. In the early Christian church, amethyst was believed to guard against intoxication, hence its derivation from the Greek "amethustos," meaning "not drunk."Chalcedony is the general name for a variety of colored quartzes, many of which have a creamy appearance and luster. The gemstones given the name chalcedony are usually white to bright blue, while other colors have been given separate names--for instance, black onyx, green chrysoprase, and orange carnelian. Kyanite takes its name from from the Greek word kyanos which means "deep blue." Formerly called disthene, kyanite is found primarily in shades of blues and greens. The shiny, translucent gemstone is known for its color zones and variation in hardness. Zodiac signs associated with kyanite are Aries, Taurus and Libra. The stone is said to have an effect on dreams and in improving memory and encouraging mental clarity.
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