With its buried meanings of beauty and power, of power-claiming beauty, the amethyst was one of the earliest stones to be cut in the shape of a heart. Here is a story of the best known and most heralded of the powers of the amethyst, its potency as a guard against intoxication, against the evil effects of overindulgence. The god of revelry and wine, Bacchus, we are told, fell in love with a nymph, who sought to avoid his tipsy embrace. (One needs not the gods to picture such a pickle!) This nymph, however, prayed to Diana, goddess vowed to chastity. Diana changed her to an amethyst, with power to withstand the effects of drink. The frustrated Bacchus gave the stone the color of wine. Hence the amethyst was known to the Greeks as “the sobering gem.” It should surely be the token stone of Alcoholics Anonymous, for its very name, _a-methyst_, comes from the Greek, meaning “against strong drink.” February, we are told, is the cruellest month; its chill seems to call for the warm coursing of an invigorating drink. It is most fortunate that the stone for this month of biting cold is the amethyst. Red the cheek glows, Still redder the nose; Jack Frost the lips has kissed. Spice the hot drink; Let glasses clink— And wear the amethyst! _March: Aquamarine_ Who in this world of ours their eyes In March first open, shall be wise, In days of peril firm and bold, If they an aquamarine will hold. March is the month when spring rains begin. It is also the month when of old, after the winter’s frost, men ventured forth again. In the Mediterranean to the south, and from the fjords and headlands of the north, our ancestors pushed their boats out from the shore, in quest of food and far adventure. Thus the gem of March is the aquamarine, whose name means “water of the sea.” And the stone is truly cousin to the waters. At its best it is clear as mid-ocean, and of a brilliant greenish blue. It has been said that whoever wears an aquamarine can do no dirty deed, will all his life be clean of body and spirit. For this reason, the aquamarine is a favorite gift to a newborn baby. Sea voyagers today, as the Vikings long ago, for protection from the dangers of the deep may wear an aquamarine. Hark how the rain Beats on the pane! It flushes the world with green. Brooks are all high, Roads never dry— Everything’s aquamarine! _April: Diamond_ She who from April dates her years Diamonds should wear, lest bitter tears In vain repentance flow; this stone Emblem of innocence is known.