Amethyst Guide

While amethysts are more abundantly found today, they were often considered just as rare as rubies in centuries past. Before South America’s impressive amethyst deposits were found in the 1800s, amethysts gemstones were highly expensive and difficult to find.

Ancient Greeks loved these gems, often believing that amethysts could keep people from getting too inebriated when drinking. They named the stone “amethystos,” which translates to sober. They would wear different amethyst types or even drink from chalices made of the gem.

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.