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!
