February’s Birthstone: Amethyst

The month of February is typically cold and snowy. This second of twelve months of the year is also known for President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and most importantly – its birthstone, the light purple amethyst. Considered a semiprecious stone, the amethyst can be set into many different types of jewelry, including rings and necklaces. Amethyst gemstone jewelry is very popular among many celebrities and jewelry collectors!

About the Amethyst

Amethysts are usually a very light shade of purple. It’s one of the few gemstones that isn’t naturally found in another color; for example, the sapphire can be many different colors besides its typical blue. This isn’t true for the amethyst – its shade range goes from light purple to deep purple, although in just the right light, you may see a little blue or red “flash” to the stones. Sometimes you may see piece of jewelry marketed as contained a green amethyst. This is incorrect, as these “green amethysts” differ chemically from their purple counterparts and are actually prasiolites, or green quartz. (They are still pretty, however!)

Amethysts are mined in the United States, Brazil, South Korea, Uruguay and Canada. These semiprecious stones have some interesting metaphysical properties, the most prominent of which is its supposed cure for drunkenness. This was one of the prime beliefs of the Ancient Greeks, who carved wine goblets out of large amethysts. The Ancient Egyptians admired amethysts and used them for jewelry, although they did not attribute any special abilities to wearing one.

Amethyst Rings and Bracelets

Due to the clarity and sizes available, the amethyst often either appears alone in rings, or serves as the central stone, surrounded by tiny diamonds or other accent pieces. Both of these types of amethyst rings tend to be powerful statement pieces, as the purple of the stones gives off a unique appearance. These are usually considered to be “cocktail” rings, and can thus be worn on different fingers and for many occasions. Amethyst bracelets usually appear as bangles, set in silver, gold of varying karats, or even platinum. If you really want to make an impression, wear an amethyst bracelet and an amethyst ring on the same arm and hand!

Necklaces and Earrings with Amethyst Accents

Amethyst earrings can either be of the dangle variety, complete with accent stones, such as diamonds, or small studs cut with many facets. In necklaces, however, the amethyst is usually set into a pendant, and strung onto a gold or silver chain. These pendants also can have diamond accents, or the amethysts can be left to stand alone, particularly if they are large and unblemished enough to stand out.

Although amethyst is the official birthstone of people born in the month of February, wearing it certainly isn’t limited to just that segment of the population. If you like this light-purple stone, wear it proudly! You’ll quickly find that your amethyst ring, necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings goes with everything from work-wear to casual outfits. It truly is a versatile gemstone!