amethyst cathedral quartz portrait
My mother also loved amethyst. It took me a long time to realize I
was as liberty to love it just as much and collect a few allies that
resonated for me. Doing as much seemed excessive and indulgent
when I had so many inherited pieces. Over time I gave her dark
purple crystals to others, keeping only the small, light lavender
pieces that I could remember choosing as special holiday or
birthday gifts. My mother kept these little presents in a carved
teakwood box. At different times of the year, she'd open the box
and gently clean each crystal. She'd find a new scrap of velvet or
brocade to place in the box as a backdrop for the beautiful stones.
She'd smile at me watching her and remind me, "You gave me these
stones." It's one thing I consistently did that just as
consistently pleased her.
When I started collecting my own amethyst, I began with a string of
very pale lilac beads that I often used like a Tibetan rosary.
Shortly thereafter I found the piece at the top of this page. She fits
beautifully in the palm of my hand.
The piece below was inherited from my mother. If I had to pick a
single favorite stone from that collection, it would probably be this
one. The rock has always sparkled like a choir of angels. Look at
the beautiful changes in the crystals - from deep purple tips to
nearly clear bases.
