Orlando's Royal Crown Pendant

This amethyst piece was made for my friend Orlando Williams a few days ago. I was pleased with the way it turned out. It seemed to wrap itself. I had no specific plans for it, but as you can see it is just splendid. It was a pleasure to finally put my skills to the test on this piece for Orlando.  
Amethyst has long been prized as an ornament and amulet. Its most common ancient application was to prevent drunkenness. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "non-intoxicating."

This stone has a long history with religious practices. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, instructions are given for placing heart shaped amethyst on the body of the deceased.

The Chaldean Magi believed this stone protected against evil sorcery and brought success and good luck. Amethyst was also said to grant an understanding of hidden knowledge.  

At one time in China, pieces of amethyst were rented to people involved in lawsuits, as the stone was said to give one a more positive outlook, thus attracting a favorable outcome.

Amethysts have a soothing and relaxing effect on people, they promote healthy sleep habits when placed on the body or under the pillow.

Amethyst promotes shrewdness in business matters, gives victory and quickens the mind to help control negative thoughts.

Because the stone has transmutational energies, it helps to open gateways into intense and transforming spiritual experiences, and can protect the wearer from black magic.  Known as a change stone, amethyst can bring about any type of change in your life and consciousness.  It also breaks up old emotional thought processes and assists psychic opening in a grounding manner.

Placed on the 7th crown chakra during meditation, amethyst increases concentration and confidence in life. 

Amethyst is the other 7th crown chakra healing stone. It has many of the same qualities as clear quartz. Many people keep an Amethyst with their other stones to increase their effectiveness. Amethyst is a good touchstone, a stone to keep in your pocket and rub several times a day for it's uplifting energy, or you can wear it on a chain around your neck, against your skin. It is said to help those with insomnia if placed under the pillow at night.