Boy! Didn't January 2025 feel six months long! But we've made it to February, and she brings with her a birthstone, the regal Amethyst.
"In the Olde Days," Amethysts were rare, indeed. They were considered one of the "Cardinal Gemstones"—alongside diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Further elevating their status was their association with the monarchy—as the precious (and costly) color purple has long been linked to the royalty. Alas, new and large amethyst mines were discovered in Brazil in the Nineteenth Century, causing the global price of amethysts to fall. Though less-precious today than they once were, they remain no less beautiful—or regal. And they are the birthstone to those born in February.
The English Arts & Crafts letter caddy, shown above, was made around 1900. English oak is clad in hand-hammered brass mountings: depicting a spray of flowers and a fearsome, creeping, winged dragon. At center, an amethyst glass cabochon—more like a swirling "turtleback"—punctuates the center of the top/back. The caddy is fitted with a hanging hook, or it can be placed on a flat surface—desk, shelf, windowsill or credenza. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.