It’s hard to believe it, but February is just around the corner! That means it’s time to start celebrating our February babies. From deep rich purple to blushing lilacs, amethysts are known for their alluring hues. They’re the most prized stones of the quartz family, and it’s their colour that sets them apart from the crowd.
Gifts with meaning: Birthstone jewellery makes a thoughtful gift that people will treasure forever; so they’re ideal presents for loved ones. Check out our range of amethyst jewellery to find the perfect design for you or someone special.
For the history buff: Ancient civilisations have prized the regal amethyst for centuries – from the ancient Egyptians adorning their tombs to the knights of the Middle Ages wearing protective amethyst amulets.
Fit for a queen: Purple has always been associated with royalty and what better way to do it than with amethyst. Royal jewellery collections the world over have been using amethyst in their Crown Jewels – including our very our HRH’s baubles.
Hocus pocus: Way back in Ancient Greece, wine goblets were made out of amethyst as it was thought to stop you getting drunk. In fact, the word amethyst comes from the Greek work amethystos, which meaning sober or not drunk.
Back to school: The main sources of amethysts are Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, South Korea and the US. On the Mohs scale, amethysts are a seven, meaning they are really durable and well suited to jewellery.
Fun fact: Make sure you don’t overexpose amethysts to sunlight as this can cause its tone to fade – so no sunbathing ok!
Amethyst buying tips:
- Because amethysts are in plentiful supply on earth, their valuation rests on colour rather than on size – the deeper a stone’s purple as its primary colour, the higher the price tag.
- The highest grade amethyst is called ‘Deep Russian’, it is extremely rare and contains around 75–80% purple as its primary colour.
- When buying amethysts, look for a deeply rich and uniform purple hue.
- Luckily, amethysts are one of the most popular yet affordable gems on the marketplace.
- Inferior stones with a poor cut will have visible inclusions, which will reduce the value of the stone and therefore does not make for a good buy.
- Another feature to steer clear of when looking for amethyst jewellery is prominent white streaks – these are veins of original quartz and deplete the gem’s rich purple brilliance.
- If cut conventionally, these gems can also display alluring secondary shades of red.
Typical traits of February babies – loyal and honest with a hint of a rebellious streak (we like that bit). Are you celebrating your birthday this February? Tell us all by scribbling in the reply box below.
Love TJC x
