Amethyst gemstones surround an eternity wedding band

Amethyst Guide

Bacchus, the Greek god of delights, was so enchanted by amethyst that he poured his favorite wine over it, staining the gem with its signature violet hues. Amethyst imbues the wearer with imagination, purity of spirit and calms tensions between lovers. It’s no wonder that people are transfixed by the power of these mystical purple gems.

Shop Amethyst Jewelry

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.

: Amethyst Quick Guide
What to Look for in Amethysts?
Hardness & Wearability
Choosing the Right Amethyst Jewelry
Shop Popular Amethyst Jewelry
Famous Amethyst Gemstones
How to Care for Your Amethyst Jewelry
: Aquamarine Buying Guide
Blue Topaz Buying Guide
Emerald Buying Guide
Garnet Buying Guide
Moonstone Buying Guide
Morganite Buying Guide
Opal Buying Guide
Peridot Buying Guide
Ruby Buying Guide
Sapphire Buying Guide
Tanzanite Buying Guide

AMETHYST QUICK GUIDE

PRIMARY COLOR

Purple

SECONDARY COLORS

Reddish Purple
Lilac
Deep Purple

COMMON SHAPES

Round
Oval

BIRTHSTONE MONTH

February

ZODIAC SIGN

Pisces

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
Emerald
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.
Learn About Color
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.
Learn About Cut
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.
Learn About Clarity
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.
Learn About Size
ENHANCEMENT
Most emeralds 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 emeralds undergo rigorous internal inspections and are of the highest quality.
Learn About Enhancements

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.

Shop Amethyst Jewelry

View All

Famous Amethyst Gemstones

Amethyst has long been regarded as one of the happiest stones. Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst dissipates evil and sharpens the 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.

How to Care for Your Emerald Jewelry

Proper care will allow your amethyst to glisten for generations. Store your jewelry when you’re not wearing it and check regularly for damaged or loose stones. To clean your jewels, give them a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in warm, soapy water. See our gemstone cleaning and care guide for more easy care tips, and get the ultimate peace of mind with our complimentary cleaning and repair services.

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.