Amethyst may be the birthstone for February and for Pisces, but you don’t have to be a February baby or a fish sign to reap the benefits of adding a flash of purple to your fashion repertoire.  

The amethyst is a stone long associated with royalty, going back to the days of Alexander the Great. A little like the Swiss army knife of gemstones, it is a truly multi-purpose jewel that’s durable and adds an elegant measure of beauty and color to your look while also not leaving your bank account empty. The February birthstone, as well as the gem traditionally given for the sixth and seventeenth wedding anniversaries, this popular purple quartz is perfect for everything from casual to cocktail to coronation.  

History and Lore

Derived from the Greek word ‘amethystos’, which means ‘remedy against drunkenness’, and associated with the Greek God Bacchus due to its rich wine color, amethysts are believed to – surprise, surprise – prevent intoxication as well as ward off any number of other ailments.  

The amethyst has a long and storied history. Popular with royalty - from Egyptian kings to Catherine the Great and up through present-day British monarchy - it was also worn as a talisman to increase focus and provide protection for medieval warriors. An emblem of the twelve apostles, the amethyst is a symbol of piety even Leonardo da Vinci believed would rid the mind of evil thoughts. It was considered the stone of the bishops and was often used in Catholic ornamentation. Even St. Valentine, the patron saint of love, wore an amethyst ring. Tibetan Buddhists consider it sacred to the Buddha.   

The stone was once considered exceptionally rare until the 19^th century, when new sources were discovered in South America and Africa.  

Beliefs and Benefits

The amethyst is one of the most popular ‘healing stones,’ believed to provide a long list of physical and psychological benefits for the wearer as well as plenty of positive vibes and mystical powers. 

Physical Benefits

Do you have allergies? Sleep issues? Headaches? Eye discomfort? Skin disease? The amethyst is not only believed to help with all of those, but it is also thought to increase brain power, improve mental balance and calmness, alleviate pain, strengthen the endocrine and immune systems, cleanse the blood, protect against poisoning, and help the wearer overcome addiction. 

Boost the health and wellness benefits of your amethyst by pairing it with other gemstones. This playful yet elegant 18K rose gold bangle bracelet from Pomellato’s Iconica collection boasts a rainbow of color with amethyst, tsavorite, blue sapphire, red spinel, blue zircon, pink tourmaline, tanzanite, and orange zircon. 

Psychological Benefits

Amethyst is reputed to control evil thoughts, boost your intelligence, help you make decisions, and reduce tensions in your home and heart. It is also believed to help overcome depressing situations and encourage celibacy (the latter of which is why it is worn by many Catholic clergy, including the Pope). If you are looking for a symbol of positivity, spiritual growth, intuition, and intelligence that also promotes healing, a beautiful piece of fine jewelry featuring amethyst is the ideal choice for you.   

Speaking of psychological benefits, what could be more soothing than the turquoise seas and pastel colors of the Mediterranean coastline? This 18K gold necklace by Ippolita boasts brightly colored hues which include reds reminiscent of Tuscan terracotta rooftops and blues which evoke Italy's Mediterranean Sea. A stunning combination of amethyst, citrine, crystal, mother of pearl, peridot, and topaz are strewn like sea glass along a golden strand of sand. 

Spiritual Benefits

Known for radiating positive energy and connecting to and channeling divine love, the amethyst is a powerful stone purported to have a high vibrational frequency that will protect the wearer from harm, physically and emotionally. 

Show your love you have their best interests at heart by giving them the gift of spiritual protection with this beautiful David Yurman amethyst and diamond pendant necklace.  

Choosing Your Amethyst Jewelry  

The amethyst is synonymous with the color ‘purple’, but did you know that the more valuable an amethyst is, the more reddish the color? Or that you can get a sizable, high-quality stone at an affordable price? Choosing your amethyst fine jewelry is just as dependent on style and personal preference as it is on understanding what to look for in a good gemstone.  

Cut

One of the amethyst’s best features is its flexibility in terms of cut. Whether it’s a standard shape or a freeform design, the amethyst reflects light beautifully no matter how it’s sculpted, making it a highly versatile stone that can accommodate a variety shapes, styles, and preferences.   

Let no hand go unnoticed with this stunner. Varied shapes of amethyst gemstones adorn this Etho Maria 18K rose gold, amethyst, and diamond ring.  

Clarity

Amethysts usually have few to no inclusions (or flaws), at least not visible to the naked eye. However, the location of origin of your amethyst will factor into its value because, due to particular environmental conditions, certain parts of the world produce more flawless stones than others. For example, a stone mined in Zambia will likely have more flaws than one mined in Brazil.   

Mimicking the bold lines of Manhattan architecture, this Goshwara gold and amethyst ring uses simplicity of design to highlight the exceptional clarity of the stone, ensuring this exquisite amethyst gets the spotlight it both commands and deserves.  

Color

Amethysts are graded based on the purity and hue of its signature color, purple. The color can range from a light lilac pink to a deep purple, with the most valuable and highest-grade a deep reddish raspberry called ‘Deep Russian’. The better the stone, the more uniform the color.  

The sleek style of this classic pair of Pomellato Nudo 18k white or rose gold and amethyst earrings ensures the maximum amount of sparkle and shows off the amethyst’s clarity and stunning saturation. 

Carat

Unlike with a diamond, because the size of the amethyst doesn’t affect the price of the stone as significantly, the amethyst is an excellent choice for statement jewelry.   

When they say, ‘Go big or go home,’ you will for sure show up ‘big’ with this gorgeous 18K rose gold and oval amethyst necklace. Exquisitely crafted and featuring 24 oval amethyst gemstones weighing a total of 235.97ctw, this necklace will certainly turn a few heads your way. 

Caring for Your Amethyst

Amethysts are rated at 7 on the Mohs scale, making them less durable than some gems, but still durable enough for daily use. It may eventually show wear, require polishing, and will also scratch if stored next to harder gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. Some will even fade with prolonged exposure to strong light. So, it may not be a good idea to wear your amethyst jewelry to the beach. While it can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner, a soft brush with mild soap is the safest option and you should avoid steam cleaning for this varied gemstone.  

With this kind of versatility, beauty, and benefit, it’s hard to resist picking up an amethyst-adorned accessory for your love or yourself! Visit our gift guide online, book an appointment with our digital concierge, or come into one of our locations and our friendly team will help you find the perfect piece.

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