February’s birthstone has two very different traditional meanings. One stems from the origin of its name, which comes from the Greek word amethustos, meaning “not intoxicated.” According to legend, the gem could prevent drunkenness. Ancient Greeks reportedly drank from Amethyst-encrusted or carved drinking vessels in hopes of staying sober.The stone's second meaning comes from its association with St. Valentine, a Roman priest who, in 270CE, defied the orders of Claudius the Cruel and performed secret marriages. Executed on February 14 for defying the the emperor's decree, St. Valentine was alleged to have worn an Amethyst ring with a cupid carved on it. Thus, Amethyst has been tied to the saint and romantic love for centuries.