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What is an amethyst?
Amethyst is the most highly prized variety of quartz with colors ranging from stunning icy pink-lilac to the deep purple of Van Gogh’s Irises. Amethyst is the February birthstone and traditionally gifted on 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. This gem is predominantly mined in Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia where large geodes are readily available.
Thomas Bresson from Belfort, France, CC BY 2.0,
via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original
Mineral: Quartz
Origins: Africa, South America
Symbols: Wealth, Healing, Spirituality
Properties: Balance, Peace
Durability: 7
ENHANCEMENTS
Heated to improve color
CARE
Basic Gemstone Care
SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Citrine
Pink Sapphire
Rose Quartz
What to Look for in Amethysts
Color saturation is key in choosing these gems. Whether you’re attracted to the pastel shade of Rose de France amethyst or the reddish blue of Siberian amethyst, look for a strong color in your amethyst jewelry. Part of the beauty of amethyst is that it’s got all the glamour of the Queen’s finest jewels with the affordability of a signet ring.
COLOR
Gemstone color is often the most important factor in determining its value. The highest quality amethyst is a vibrant reddish-purple, with darker shades of amethyst fetching higher price tags than their lighter counterparts. We love amethyst for its diversity of shades. Here are the trade names of popular types of amethyst:
Rose de France: Also known as lavender amethyst, Rose de France amethyst is the color of fresh lavender accompanied by a blushy pink hue.
Siberian: Siberian amethyst, regardless of origin, is the highest quality amethyst available. These gems are a stunning midnight purple with sparkling glimmers of red and blue.
Ametrine: Ametrine, commonly known as bolivianite, is a naturally occurring mixture of amethyst and citrine. The presence of citrine gives this gemstone a dramatic yellow and violet color blend.
CUT
The cut of a gemstone is what gives it symmetry and shows off the stone’s color and brilliance. Amethyst is suitable for all types of cuts because of its eye-clean nature. Large cushion-cuts or delicate round-cut amethyst look especially impressive, as do artistic fantasy cuts.
CLARITY
Gemstone clarity is determined by any inclusions embedded in the gem such as gas bubbles, fractures, or small crystals. Amethyst is considered an “eye-clean” gem, meaning the majority of amethysts on the market don’t contain visible inclusions that you can see with the naked eye.
SIZE (CARAT)
Gemstone size is based on diameter in millimeters as opposed to diamonds, which are valued based on carat weight. Amethyst gemstones are easy to find in large deposits which make them a popular and affordable choice for large center stones in any type of jewelry.
ENHANCEMENT
Most amethysts sold on the market today, like most gemstones, are enhanced, which means they’re treated with heat or infusion to improve color and clarity. Our amethysts undergo rigorous internal inspections and are of the highest quality.
HARDNESS & WEARABILITY
Amethyst rates a 7 on the Mohs scale, meaning it’s fairly resistant to scratching but shouldn’t be worn during rough activities. To appreciate your amethyst’s elegance and beauty for years to come, wear it with care and protect it from hard blows.
Choosing the Right Amethyst Jewelry
These luscious purple gems look fantastic against rose gold and silver with lustrous pavè or graceful prong settings. With proper wear and care, amethyst is suitable for any lifestyle and makes for a divine center stone on engagement rings.
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Famous Amethyst Gemstones
Amethyst has long been regarded as one of the happiest stones. Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst dissipates evil and sharpens intelligence. Saint Valentine, patron saint of lovers, wore an amethyst ring carved in the likeness of cupid, and celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor to Katy Perry have adorned themselves in fine amethyst jewels. Satisfy your curiosity about the allure of amethyst by learning what your favorite gemstones say about you.
Some of the most famous amethyst gemstones have been worn by royalty. The Swedish royal family’s Napoleonic Amethyst Parure Tiara is a dazzling creation made from a necklace that was said to belong to Napoleon's first wife. Some of the oldest jewels in the British Royal Family’s jewelry collection are also amethysts, with several amethyst-focused jewelry pieces from the 19th century still being worn today. Known as the Kent Amethysts, these pieces include ornate amethyst and diamond-laden necklaces, brooches, earrings and hair combs. Danish Princess Benedikte is also known to sport impressive amethyst jewels with a matching set of earrings, a bracelet, a necklace and a brooch.
Buying Tips
Now that you've learned about this purple jewel through our amethyst gemstone education, it’s time to learn about picking the right amethyst. Consider these buying tips:
1. Purchase from reputable jewelers to ensure you’re choosing authentic amethyst gemstones.
2. Pick the purple hue that’s in your budget. There are several amethyst types available and lighter-colored gems will cost less than ones with deeper color.
3. Choose a metal that meets your budget. Our amethysts are set in a variety of metals to match all budgets and styles. Choose from platinum, silver or gold.
This purple gemstone is a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, wedding jewelry and much more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEMSTONES
There are many gemstones to choose from, each with their own distinct beauty and characteristics. Learn more about them in our helpful gemstone education guide.
