As a fan all all things gemstone at Sennen Jewellery, I'm excited to guide you through the exquisite world of amethyst, the February birthstone. With its royal purple colour and historical significance, this gemstone has enchanted people for centuries.
Whether you're celebrating February birthdays or are simply drawn to its beauty, let's uncover what makes the February birthstone amethyst so special, and also take a look at the best ways to style February birthstone jewellery.
February Birthstone Key Points Summary
Amethyst is the February birthstone, admired for its varying shades of purple.
The February birthstone, amethyst symbolises protection, wisdom, and balance.
Amethysts were historically revered by the ancient Greeks and remain popular in February birthstone jewellery today.
Amethyst jewellery is versatile and suitable for both daily wear and special occasions.
Amethyst Gemstones: The Details
Amethyst belongs to the quartz family, with the distinctive purple variety resulting from iron impurities and natural irradiation. This February birthstone ranges from pale lavender to deep purple, sometimes exhibiting secondary reddish or bluish tints. The gem is commonly found in geodes, with significant deposits located in Brazil and Uruguay.
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, the February birthstone is durable enough for regular wear but susceptible to scratching from rough handling. The clarity of the gemstone is generally high, with the finest gems often "eye-clean," meaning they contain no visible inclusions. Faceted cuts are commonly used to highlight the gemstone's vivid purple colour.
Lab-Created Amethyst
Lab-created amethyst is a man-made gemstone that possesses the same physical and chemical properties as a natural amethyst gemstone. These lab-created amethysts offer a more affordable alternative to natural amethysts and are an ethical choice for February birthstone jewellery. They provide a uniform, vivid purple hue, making them desirable for amethyst jewellery lovers.
Amethyst Symbolism
The name Amethyst comes from the Greek amethystos, a refers to ‘not’ and methysko means "intoxicate", a reference to the belief that amethysts protected from drunkenness.
Ancient Greeks wore amethyst and carved drinking vessels from it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. One reason to use an amethyst drinking vessel was to enable the party goer to fill it with water rather than wine with no one noticing due to the purple colour of the vessel!
In Greek mythology there is a story about the god of intoxication Dionysus and a young, attractive woman Amethystos who spurned his approaches. Amethystos was en route to worship the goddess Diana when Dionysus unleashed a pack of vicious tigers.
Diana protected her from the approaching tigers by transforming her into a statue of flawless crystalline quartz before they got to her. Dionysus shed wine-colored tears as he was horrified by what he had almost done to Amethystos and humbled by her resolve. According to legend, his tears caused the colourless Quartz to become purple, resulting in Amethyst.
In ancient times people would wear the gemstone during feasts to ensure they maintained clear thinking and moderation. Today, the February birthstone still carries this symbolism, reminding those who celebrate February birthdays of the virtues of awareness and balance.
Amethyst is highly regarded in crystal healing for its purported abilities to soothe the mind and enhance spiritual clarity. It is said to be particularly beneficial for those looking to reduce stress, enhance their psychic abilities, and foster a deeper understanding of life’s experiences.
These attributes make the gemstone a popular choice for February birthstone jewellery, which is often given as a gift not only for its beauty but for its healing properties as well.
In medieval Europe, the rich, deep purple hue of amethyst was cherished by royalty and religious figures, symbolizing nobility and divine favor. Silver or Gold settings were commonly used to enhance the stone's royal appearance, making it a staple in the treasure troves of kings and queens. This historical prestige continues to influence amethyst jewellery designs today, where the gemstone is set in silver to highlight its majestic qualities.
Amethyst has been popular since ancient times and was being used in jewellery as far back as 4000BC, with intricate Gold rings set with amethyst found dated 2400BC.
Since the Medieval Ages, Amethyst has been set into rings and worn by important figures in the Catholic Church because of its associations with piety and chastity. The stone has also been valued by monarchs over the years, and amethyst can be found in the British Crown Jewels.
Amethyst is also associated with St Valentine, who wore an Amethyst ring carved with Cupid. Amethyst thus became the birthstone for the month of February.
For those celebrating February birthdays, an amethyst gemstone represents not only a birthstone but also a symbol of tranquility, protection, and spiritual insight. As a gemstone, amethyst holds significance both through its striking appearance and its deep symbolic meanings. Whether set in silver or styled with other gemstones, amethysts continue to be a timeless addition to any jewellery collection.
Famous and Valuable Amethysts
Throughout history, amethysts have been popular with royalty and collectors alike:
The Delhi Purple Sapphire
Despite its name, this gemstone is actually a large amethyst. The Delhi Purple Sapphire is a mysterious and historically significant gemstone, often surrounded by legend and intrigue. Its name refers to a rare violet sapphire that was once owned by an Englishman, Colonel W. Ferris, who brought it from India in the 1850s.
Over time, the gemstone became infamous due to the series of misfortunes that befell those who came into contact with it, leading to the belief that it was cursed. The stone, weighing over 2 pounds, eventually found its way into the collection of the British Museum, though its history and its connection to a series of strange and tragic events continue to captivate gem enthusiasts and historians alike.
The Duchess of Windsor's Amethyst Bib Necklace
The Duchess of Windsor’s Amethyst Bib Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that reflects both royal elegance and personal flair. Designed by Cartier in the 1950s, this extraordinary necklace features a dramatic arrangement of large amethyst stones, delicately set in a pattern that cascades down in a bib-style formation.
Known for her impeccable taste, Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, wore this striking necklace on several high-profile occasions. The necklace’s deep purple amethysts were chosen to complement the Duchess’s often sophisticated and regal wardrobe, and it has since become an iconic symbol of her unique fashion sensibility. Its blend of luxury, artistry, and historical significance makes it one of the most celebrated pieces in the Duchess’s jewelry collection.
Styling Amethyst Jewelry
At Sennen Jewellery, we find amethyst's beautiful purple hue easy to incorporate into any style. Here are some expert tips:
Everyday Glam: Simple amethyst silver studs or a silver amethyst pendant add an elegant touch to your daily wardrobe, making you stand out with minimal effort.
Evening Accessories: For special occasions, opt for an amethyst ring or statement necklace paired with deep-hued eveningwear to create a glamorous effect.
Mixed Gemstones: Amethyst pairs well with other stones, especially warm-toned citrine or a diamond pave, allowing you to mix and match different colours and styles.
Birthstone Gifts: Jewellery featuring the February birthstone amethyst is the perfect gift for February birthdays.
February Birthstone Jewellery FAQs
How do I determine the quality of amethyst gemstones?
To evaluate the quality of February birthstone amethyst, consider the four main criteria:
Colour: The most sought-after amethysts display a deep, rich purple colour with vivid red flashes. These shades are particularly prized for their intense visual appeal and rarity in nature.
Clarity: High-quality amethysts are often "eye-clean," meaning they lack visible inclusions. These clear gemstones are more valuable as they allow more light to pass through, enhancing the inherent brilliance of the gem.
Cut: A well-executed cut is crucial as it maximizes the February birthstone's optical effects. The cut should not only enhance the colour and clarity of the gem but also its overall symmetry and proportions to reflect light beautifully.
Carat Weight: Larger amethyst gems, especially those that maintain a high quality in colour and clarity, are rare and highly valued. The value increases significantly with size due to the rarity of larger gemstones that maintain high-quality attributes.
Can amethyst jewelry be worn daily?
Yes, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable enough for everyday wear. However, it is important to handle amethyst gemstone jewelry with care to avoid scratches or chips. It's advisable to remove amethyst rings or bracelets when performing strenuous tasks. Regularly inspect settings in rings or pendants to ensure the amethyst remains secure.
Are there other February birthstones?
While traditional February birthstone jewellery incorporates the amethyst gemstone, onyx and jasper are alternatives for February birthstone jewellery. Onyx, with its deep black and smooth finish, and jasper, often found in earthy reds and purples, provide additional options for February birthstone jewellery.
What's the best way to care for amethyst jewelry?
The best way to care for amethyst jewelry is to clean it regularly with warm soapy water and a soft brush. This method safely removes any buildup without damaging the stone. It’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade the vibrant purple colour of the amethyst.
Top tip: store your amethyst jewellery in a fabric-lined box separate from harder gemstones like diamonds, which could scratch the softer amethyst.
How can amethyst be incorporated into silver jewelry designs?
Amethyst and silver complement each other beautifully, creating a classic and timeless look in jewelry design. The vivid purple hues of an amethyst gemstone set in polished silver can highlight the gemstone’s rich colour, making it a popular choice for both modern and traditional styles. February birthstone jewelry often features amethyst in silver settings as pendants, earrings, and rings, showcasing the gem's beauty in a way that is both elegant and durable.
What are the spiritual benefits of wearing amethyst?
Amethyst is not only beautiful but this gemstone is also believed to carry various spiritual benefits. Often associated with clarity of mind, it is said to help calm thoughts and enhance intuitive thinking. Many wearers use amethyst gemstones to help manage stress and maintain balance in their lives. For those celebrating February birthdays, incorporating amethyst into their daily lives can be particularly meaningful, as it aligns with their personal gemstone and offers a sense of peace and protection.
Our Top Picks of Jewellery made with Amethyst
The Bottom Line
Whether it be a gift for a loved one or yourself, or for a 6th or 17th Wedding anniversary, amethyst is a great choice with its range of colours and price ranges, rich history and calming properties.
Interested in the Birthstones for other months? Take a look at our guide here: Your Guide to Birthstones (sennenjewellery.com)
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