Credits: Abdul Matloob, Canva Germany GmbH / www.pexels.com
Beautiful, colourful, strong and versatile: amethyst is the wonderful birthstone corresponding to the month of love.
The world of jewelry is more and more in love with it, let’s see its characteristics together!
Credits: www.angara.com
What is amethyst, colors and varieties
Amethyst is a type of quartz and it is mainly known for its purple color. Shades can vary from delicate and clear lilac to intense and deep eggplant colour.
The best quality gems are mined in Africa and South America, particularly in Uruguay.
Credits: Karolina Grabowska, Canva, Germany-GmbH / www.pexels.com
A lesser-known, yet beautiful, pastel green variety of amethyst is called prasiolite. It owes its color to iron compounds and it is very rare in nature, so much so that most of the stones on market today have actually been subjected to heat treatment or irradiation in order to achieve that typical shade of green.
Kiki Mc Donough, Kiki Cushion Green Amethyst Ring, Credits:www.kiki.co.uk
Kiki Mc Donough, Kiki Classics Green Amethyst Ripple Ring, Credits: www.kiki.co.uk
Kiki Mc Donough, Grace Green Amethyst and Diamond Ring, Credits: www.kiki.co.uk
Stories, legends and origins of amethyst
Amethyst is one of the oldest gems in the history of jewelry: we know that the merchants of ancient Rome traded it and also that it was used for cameos and carvings.
Its deep purple color was reminiscent of the color of wine, which is the reason why the Greeks named it “Amethystos”, from a- (not) + methysko (intoxicated), meaning “not drunk” and both the Roman patricians and the Greeks were persuaded that this gem could protect them from the risk of vices and hangovers. At that time wine was thick and sugary and caused drunkenness after just a few sips. In order to avoid this risk, which was also considered socially shameful, wine was diluted with water. It took on that beautiful violet shade that was considered the indicator of the ideal concentration in which wine would be less intoxicating. Furthermore, at the time chalices and cups were made in amethyst.
According to Roman tradition, the guests had to drink every time the host raised his glass to his lips, however the purple color of the glass deceived the guests, leading everyone to believe that the host too was drinking wine. With this stratagem, the guest could stay sober by drinking water, which took on the purple color of the cup, while the guests abandoned themselves to Bacchus!
It is said that Saint Valentine used to wear a signet ring that reproduced the image of Cupid.
In the Middle Ages, amethyst was mainly cut into cabochons and mounted in rings, cloak hooks and brooches.
For the Church members amethyst hues were linked to humility, piety, chastity and detachment from earthly temptations.
Compared to the cardinal gemstones (i.e. diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds) which are mined in precise and limited areas, amethyst deposits are relatively more widespread throughout the earth’s crust.
In particular, the discovery of Brazilian mines at the beginning of the 19th century brought an influx onto the market of new specimens, which were ready to be purchased by the wealthiest European families.
Interestingly, amethyst went out of fashion in the 1920s, but found favor with the public again after the Second World War, thanks to the Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson, who in 1947 purchased a magnificent amethyst, turquoise and diamond necklace from Cartier.
Credits www.luxuryfacts.com
An orb of amethyst is set in the scepter of Saint Edward of the British Crown.
Amethyst characteritics
Amethyst is rich in meaning. Tibetan Buddhist monks considered it a sacred gem and were used to carve it into prayer beads.
According to the most modern tradition, amethyst is a powerful protective stone with stimulating properties on cognitive and emotional levels.
It is also said that amethyst brings peace and tranquility to the wearer.
Eden Presley, gold, amethyst, diamonds, colored gemstones, Credits: www.katerinaperez.com
Fabio Salini, amethyst cabochon and leather ring in purple, Credits: modesens.com
What factors determine the quality of an amethyst?
More than its carat weight, an amethyst is primarily valued by its color, which must be velvety purple or vibrant purple-violet. Pale colors are less expensive than vibrant ones.
The most appreciated gems display color evenly when seen from above, with no color zoning.
Make sure that the gem you plan to buy has not been treated and only rely on trusted jewelers.
Claudine, Credits: www.diamondere.com Mimi, 18k rose gold, zabette faceted amethyst, Credits: www.mimimilano.com
Most amethysts cut and placed on the market have no eye visible inclusions. If the gem has a particularly rich and fascinating color, professionals “overlook” the presence of any minor inclusions. In pale-colored amethysts the visible inclusions reduce their value.
The cut also plays its part in enhancing the beauty of the amethyst, so make sure the gem shines brightly and reflects light evenly.
Try to compare multiple stones by placing them next to each other, so you can evaluate their quality.
Orogami, Sfere Ring, amethyst and yellow gold, Credits: www.orogami.com
Amethyst care and cleaning
The color of some amethysts can fade after long exposure to sunlight, therefore please avoid leaving your jewelry piece in front of the window for too long time.
Equally dangerous are heat (remember to remove the ring before a you get a hot shower!) and cleaning products: remove your jewel when cleaning the house and also when swimming in the pool.
If you have to carry out vigorous manual activities, put your ring away and remember to keep it away from other jewels, so that it will not scratch more fragile rocks, nor it will be scratched by more resistant gemstones.
Ultrasonic cleaning on amethyst jewelry is strongly discouraged because it could interfere with small internal cracks or fractures, ultimately causing serious damage. You can clean your jewel at home, using warm water and a little neutral soap (see how to clean diamonds here).
If you take care of your amethyst piece, it will last a lifetime and will also be enjoyed by your future grandchildren!
James Allen, double trapezoid amethyst ring, Credits: blog.jamesallen.com
James Allen, elongated amethyst ring, Credits: blog.jamesallen.com
Rubinia, amethyst and yellow gold ring, Credits: rubinia.com
Ashley Zhang, antique amethyst band in gold, Credits: www.katerinaperez.com
Is amethyst suitable for an engagement ring?
Amethyst is not only beautiful gemstone, but it is also quite resistant. Like garnet, it ranks 7th on the Mohs Scale, making it an appropriate rock to be worn daily, with due caution. However, if you opt for an amethyst engagement ring, you must know that it is recommended not to wear it during excessively energetic or vigorous activities.
Credits: blog.jamesallen.com
Finally, considering its availability on the market, its price is very accessible and you can get a large specimen at a reasonable cost.
Brilliant Earth, Amethyst Fortuna Ring, Credits: www.brilliantearth.com
An amethyst engagement ring is a very original choice, perfect for a couple who does not depend on fashion.
Don’t forget to wear your ring when you go out in the evening: according to the ancient Greeks, amethyst will protect you from the risk of getting drunk!
Capucinne, Dora amethyst and diamond ring, Credits: capucinne.com
What can amethyst be styled with?
Some metals can enhance the color of a gem. In this case, white gold highlights cool, bluish undertones of amethyst, while a warmer metal emphasizes the depth and passion of purple.
Amethyst hedges both cold and warm tones well and therefore it will enhance every complexion!
Tiffany & Co., amethyst cabochon ring by Elsa Peretti, Credits :www.tiffany.it
James Allen, amethyst cocktail ring, Credits: blog.jamesallen.com
Pros and cons of amethyst
Pros Although I love diamonds, always traditional, seductive and classy, sometimes I like to see a color explosion in rings, as something new and original. In fact, the most attractive element in an amethyst engagement ring is certainly the brilliant color.
The other important aspect is undoubtedly the affordable price: a large carat gem is relatively cheap if compared to a diamond of the same size.
Cons The most important disadvantage of amethyst is certainly the fact that it is not as resistant as a diamond. Although it ranks at 7th on the Mohs Scale (remember that diamond scores 10), this should not be misleading because the scale orders the minerals from softest to hardest, but does not consider that diamond is actually 10 times harder than amethyst.
However, amethyst is durable enough to be worn daily, albeit with the cautions I described above.
James Allen, Petite amethyst yellow gold ring, Credits: blog.jamesallen.com
In conclusion…
In the world of colored gemstones, amethyst is one of the most fascinating, regal and rich in history. It is resistant and is linked to the Saint of Love, so it’s perfect for celebrating your story!
… and now let’s start the party with a good wine: your amethyst will protect you from hangovers!
De Grisogono, amethyst, ruby, pink sapphire, diamond, cabochon, gold cocktail ring, Credits: www.1stdibs.com
Mimi, Ring Blanche with amethyst, Credits: www.mimimilano.com
Alessio Boschi, Flame ring in gold, colored gemstones and amethyst, Credits: www.katerinaperez.com
Marco Bicego, Jaipur, ring Credits: it.marcobicego.com
Chaumet, Alveole ring in gold, Credits: www.katerinaperez.com
Sources:
www.gia.edu
www.katerinaperez.com
www.theknot.com
blog.jamesallen.com
Brides.com
kenanddanadesign.com
www.engagementringbible.com
www.harpersbazaar.com