As February comes to an end, why not take a look at this month’s birthstone: the amethyst. Many of us are not familiar with all of the birthstones, aside from the most precious ones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. However, the remaining birthstones have much beauty to offer, including the amethyst. The stone’s coloring is purplish, though the shades can vary greatly. Purples, reds, and violets are warm colors, quite suitable for the winter month. Though an amethyst is no diamond, it is still a beautiful gem and looks great combined with colored or white diamonds.
The amethyst is a type of quartz with a violet hue. There was a Greek myth that amethysts were able to keep drunkenness away and was therefore worn as an amulet around the neck in order to prevent intoxication. For the same reason, amethyst goblets were used for drinking alcoholic beverages.
Iron impurities are what cause the purple coloring. Most amethyst stones found today come from Brazil and Uruguay. Before these amethyst locations were discovered, Sri Lanka, India, Germany, and Russia were the primary sources for the amethyst quartz.
Amethysts change colors when heated. An amethyst can take on a bright yellow or brownish-red after being heated to a temperature of only 250 degrees. Since the stone is so sensitive to heat, amethyst jewelry should not be worn in direct sunlight.
In contrast to diamonds, amethysts have actually decreased in value. The famous amethyst bracelet belonging to Queen Charlotte of England at the beginning of the 18th century was valued at 2,000 pounds sterling. Two hundred years later, the bracelet was only worth 100 pounds. The decline in price is related to the discovery of amethyst in abundance. An amethyst can also vary greatly in price based on its quality. Nevertheless, amethysts are gorgeous stones, especially when set against diamonds. The result is so spectacular that synthetic imitations are always attempted.
Though traditionally diamonds are used for engagement rings, an amethyst can be used as the center stone to reduce the cost, and diamonds used as secondary stones. Otherwise, an amethyst ring surrounded by diamonds can be a terrific gift. Amethysts look great on bracelets and necklaces as well. A line of white diamonds around the amethyst can help showcase the stone’s color, or alternatively, a variety of purple diamonds can be used. The combination of the gemstones used is spectacular.
Whether you or your loved one has a February birthday, or you just like shades of purple and violet, an amethyst can be a fine addition to a piece of jewelry as well as to your jewelry collection. If you are looking for a stone to combine those colored diamonds with, this may be it.
Fancy Deep Pinkish Purple Diamond |