Birthstone of the Month: February is for Amethyst

This purple gemstone has captivated mankind for millennia and can be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia. 

For any of our lovely customers celebrating their birthday this month, they surely know that their birthstone is amethyst.

For those of you who have family and friends with birthdays this month – now you know that the purple gemstone of royalty belongs to them!

The stunning February birthstone is frequently featured in many gorgeous fine jewelry designs and is a popular choice for fashion and special occasion jewelry.
However it is used, this birthstone is a beautiful addition to anyone's wardrobe.

For all the details on these gorgeous and symbolic gemstones, read on.
The color of royalty

Amethyst is actually a variety of quartz which occurs in transparent light to dark purple. The color spectrum of the stone can range from a dark plum color to a slight hint of lavender. This lavish color stems from the remnants of iron in the crystalline structure when it was formed.

The darker, more intense colors are more valuable than the lighter smoky or lavender color. The most valuable hue is a strong reddish-purple shade, but we love every shade of amethyst. Lavender hues look particularly stunning in amethyst rings when complemented by diamond accents.

Because of its rare beauty and the expense it took to create the color for fabric, purple has long been considered a regal color, so amethysts frequently appear in royal and religious jewelry. Various cultures have associated amethyst with peace, balance and courage, and ascribed to it the ability to cure insomnia and relieve pain.

Among the most valued

Dark rich, royal colors of amethyst have been treasured by kings and queens for centuries and can be traced back to 2500 B.C.

Gorgeous purple amethysts have been prized since the time of the ancient Greeks. The name of this magnificent gemstone derives from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against drunkenness” – a benefit long ascribed to the purple birthstone.

Because of its winelike color, amethyst was believed to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and business affairs.

Until the 19th century amethysts were as valuable and expensive as emeralds, sapphires and rubies, but then a large deposit of amethysts was discovered in Brazil.

Found in many geographic regions from Brazil, Zambia and even in the United States near Arizona, amethyst is a very prevalent stone, geographically speaking.

Today, it is also found in Uruguay, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Mexico. The February birthstone is most typically found in mountainous areas or craters.

Perfect with most colors

Most amethysts have excellent clarity, with no inclusions visible to the naked eye, and are available in a variety of cuts and carat weights.

Amethyst is used as faceted stones or polished cabochons and is carved in various shapes. Amethyst beads are used in necklaces, earrings and other jewelry in both rough unpolished forms, smooth glossy shapes, faceted beads and briolettes.

If you’re shopping for a February birthday gift, amethyst jewelry is a can’t-miss choice. Consider elegant amethyst earrings or an amethyst pendant.

Big, beautiful amethysts frequently appear in gorgeous rings—a gift any woman would love—browse our selection of amethyst rings for some ideas!

Amethyst complements both warm and cool colors, helping it look fabulous set in both yellow and white metals. This unique ability enhances almost every color in your wardrobe.

How to wear amethyst

With a score of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale (10 being most durable), amethyst is strong enough for rings and daily wear, but some care should be taken to protect it from being scratched by rough materials. This means that it is appropriate for daily use in rings and other jewelry, but over time it may show wear and require repolishing.

Because this February birthstone is more susceptible to damage than harder gems such as rubies, sapphires and diamonds, you risk scratching your amethyst jewelry if you place it next to these harder stones...

Note, too, that excessive heat can remove the color entirely, and some amethyst fades with prolonged exposure to strong light. Though the color is stable with normal use, this is not a birthstone to wear to the beach every day.

Consider buying a stunning amethyst for the king or queen of your heart – or treat yourself to a royal present. If your birthday is in February, then wearing amethyst can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength.