The excavation of a huge Late Byzantine period winery in Israel recently yielded a gold ring inlaid with a purple amethyst stone believed to date back to the seventh century. Researchers from the Israeli Antiquities Authority analyzed the ring, and the stone was determined to be composed of silica—a common material in many other gems—ruling out the possibility of it being simply glass. It is believed that “the person who owned the ring was affluent, and the wearing of the jewel indicated their status and wealth. Such rings could be worn by both men and women,” said Dr. Amir Golani, an expert on ancient jewelry for the Authority. “Amethysts are mentioned in Bible as one of the 12 precious stones worn by the high priest of the temple on his ceremonial breastplate,” added Golani, who cited that certain powers were attributed to amethysts: “Many virtues have been attached to this …