amethyst jewellery guide
What are Amethysts?
Amethysts are a type of gemstone and are a variety of quartz mineral. They are one of the most popular and well-known gemstones, valued for their beautiful violet to purple colour. Amethysts have been treasured for centuries and are commonly used in jewellery, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. They are also used as decorative stones in various ornamental objects. The value of an amethyst is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, size, and overall quality.
Amethyst Jewellery Inspiration
Amethyst Lore and Meaning
Amethysts have a fascinating history of lore and meaning, deeply rooted in both ancient civilizations and more recent cultural beliefs. Here are some of the significant aspects of amethyst lore and their symbolic meanings:
- Spiritual Enlightenment: Amethysts have also been associated with spirituality and higher consciousness. In various cultures, amethysts are considered a stone of spiritual awakening, meditation, and wisdom.
- Royalty and Power: Throughout history, amethysts have been highly prized gemstones associated with royalty and nobility. In ancient times, they adorned crowns, scepters, and other regal jewellery. The rich purple colour of amethysts was considered a symbol of power, wealth, and prestige.
- Healing Properties: In the realm of crystal healing, amethysts are often used for their purported healing properties. They are believed to have a calming and balancing effect on the mind, body, and emotions. Amethysts are thought to alleviate stress, anxiety, and promote restful sleep.
The meanings and lore surrounding amethysts are part of the rich cultural and historical tapestry of human beliefs and traditions. Whether or not you ascribe to these beliefs, there's no denying the allure and beauty of amethysts as treasured gemstones.
Amethyst Jewellery Colour Guide
WHAT ARE THE BEST SHADES OF AMETHYSTS FOR JEWELLERY?
Amethysts come in beautiful colours- from soft lilac to deep purple. The best ones have a rich and bright purple, often called "royal purple." Some might have hints of red or blue, which look pretty when light shines on them. Amethysts can also come in green and pink, as well as being multicoloured. They can be see-through or a little cloudy.
Where does Amethyst come from?
Amethysts are found in various places around the world. Some of the most significant sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Madagascar, Russia, and Canada. Brazil is particularly renowned for producing large and high-quality amethyst crystals, with the state of Rio Grande do Sul being a prominent region.
Uruguay is famous for its abundant and deeply coloured amethyst geodes. Zambia is known for producing vivid and intense purple amethysts.
Madagascar, Russia, and Canada also have noteworthy deposits of this mesmerizing gemstone. Amethysts are also found in smaller deposits in India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Madagascar, Zambia, South Korea and Hungary.
The formation of amethysts typically occurs in geodes or cavities within volcanic rocks or sedimentary deposits, where silica-rich fluids slowly cool and crystallise over time, creating the beautiful gemstones cherished by people worldwide.
Other Types of Amethyst Used In Jewellery
Pink Amethyst
Pink amethyst is a delightful and enchanting variety of the quartz family, prized for its delicate and soft pink hues. This gemstone's colour ranges from a pale, blush pink to a slightly deeper rose tone. Pink amethyst is relatively rare and is typically found in a few specific locations around the world.
Ametrine Amethyst
Ametrine is a captivating gemstone that combines the stunning beauty of both amethyst and citrine. This unique and rare gemstone exhibits a mesmerising blend of purple and yellow hues in a single crystal, resulting in a striking bicolour appearance.
Prasiolite Amethyst
Prasiolite amethyst, or green amethyst, is a lesser-known variation of amethyst. Unlike its traditional purple counterpart, green amethyst displays a pale green colour, ranging from mint to a deeper green shade. This gemstone is created through a process of heat treatment, which transforms certain varieties of amethyst into this green gemstone.
february birthstone
Amethyst Birthstone Jewellery
Amethyst, with its captivating violet and purple hues, holds a special significance as the birthstone for the month of February.
As the birthstone for this wintery month, amethyst serves as a symbol of tranquility and inner strength. It is believed to promote a clear mind, providing a sense of calmness and protection to those born in February.
Amethyst's association with wisdom also makes it a meaningful gemstone for those seeking emotional balance and spiritual enlightenment.
Famous Amethyst Jewellery
Duchess of Windsor Amethyst Necklace
The Duchess of Windsor Amethyst Necklace is a legendary piece of jewellery that once belonged to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. The necklace features a striking 194-carat emerald-cut amethyst as its centerpiece, surrounded by a stunning array of diamonds and other gemstones. It was created by the renowned jewellery house Cartier in 1952 and quickly became one of the Duchess's most cherished possessions.
The Morris Amethyst Brooch
The Morris Amethyst Brooch is a magnificent and historical jewellery piece that once belonged to the famed American jewellery designer, William Morris. This exquisite brooch features a breathtaking amethyst gemstone of a vivid purple hue, meticulously set in a delicate silver frame.
Image: Chip Clark, Smithsonian Institution
Sold out
INSPIRATION & EDUCATION
More Blog Posts
Ruby Jewellery Buying Guide
Rubies are gemstones known for their rich red colour. Ruby belongs to the corundum mineral species, which is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Corundum has a hardness of...
What Are The Different Types Of Earrings?
Earrings come in an array of styles and designs, each offering a unique touch to any outfit, whether you're looking for classic hoops or daring drop earrings.
Complete Birthstone Jewellery Guide
Each month has a gemstone associated with it. Do you know which birthstone jewellery relates to your birth month?