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Amethyst Jewelry Guide: Color, Quality and Care
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and the birthstone for February. It has been prized for thousands of years for its color, and today it is one of the most rewarding gems to buy: rich in color, durable enough for daily wear and far more affordable than other purple stones.
Look for an even, saturated purple with good sparkle and no obvious color zoning. Amethyst rates 7 on the Mohs scale, so it suits rings with a protective setting as well as earrings and pendants. Keep it out of strong sunlight and heat, and clean it with warm soapy water.
How to Judge Amethyst Color
Color is almost everything with amethyst. The most prized stones show a deep, even purple, sometimes with red or blue flashes when they move; the trade often calls this a "Siberian" color. Medium purple is the classic look most people picture, and pale lilac, sometimes sold as "Rose de France", has a gentle, romantic tone.
- Evenness: look for color spread across the stone, not patchy bands.
- Brightness: a good cut keeps the stone lively instead of inky.
- Clarity: faceted amethyst is usually eye-clean, so visible inclusions lower the value.
Sterling Silver Rhodium-plated Polished Amethyst Oval Ring$40.89View piece
Sterling Silver Stackable Expressions Amethyst & Diamond Ring$73.99View piece
Which Jewelry Suits Amethyst Best
| Style | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Drop earrings | Movement catches the light and shows off the color |
| Pendant | Sits close to the face; no ring size needed for a gift |
| Stacking ring | Adds a pop of purple to gold or silver bands |
| Bangle or bracelet | Several stones together read as a confident color statement |
Amethyst looks cool and crisp in sterling silver and white gold, and warm and regal in yellow gold. Both are right; it comes down to the wearer's usual metal.
Amethyst Teardrop Dangle Earrings in Sterling Silver$34.01View piece
Sterling Silver Polished with Amethyst Pendant$45.99View piece
Sterling Silver Amethyst Celtic Knot Bangle Bracelet$108.99View piece
What Amethyst Costs
Because amethyst is found in good quantities, a well-colored stone is accessible in a way that sapphire or tanzanite of the same color is not. Price rises with depth of color and size; small stones in sterling silver make lovely, affordable gifts, while larger deep-purple stones in gold are a true investment piece.
Amethyst for Gifts
As the February birthstone, amethyst is a natural birthday gift. It is also the traditional gemstone for the 6th wedding anniversary. For a first piece, earrings or a pendant are the safe choice, since they need no sizing.
Caring for Amethyst
- Clean with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush; rinse and dry.
- Avoid steam cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
- Store away from bright windows: long, strong sunlight can soften the color over time.
- Keep it in its own pouch so harder stones, such as diamond and sapphire, cannot scratch it.
Explore all amethyst jewelry and our February birthstone collection.
Questions, Answered
Is amethyst durable enough for an everyday ring?
Yes, with sensible care. At 7 on the Mohs scale it is harder than everyday dust, so it resists scratching well, but a protective setting such as a bezel or low prongs helps against knocks.
Does amethyst fade?
Some amethyst can lighten after long exposure to strong sunlight or heat. Store it away from bright windows and never leave it on a hot surface.
What color amethyst is most valuable?
A deep, even purple with flashes of red or blue is the most prized. Very pale lilac stones cost less but have their own soft, romantic appeal.
What anniversary is amethyst for?
Amethyst is traditionally given for the 6th wedding anniversary, and it is the birthstone for February.
