Birthstones are gemstones, which marry up to each birth month. Each Gemstone has its own unique properties and significant meaning. Birthstones can be traced back to ancient times, when it was believed that gemstones had incredible powers such as luck, health and prosperity. Each month is associated with a single gemstone, and this month we focus on February with the gemstone Amethyst.


History of Amethyst

Amethyst was known as a gem that would bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of human kind. Chastity, sobriety, and control over one’s thoughts were all attributes heightened by wearing the stone. The gem would guard against the anger of passion, and the violent or base nature of its wearer. The stone is said to encourage calm, bravery, and contemplation.

The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst had the power to prevent intoxication, and would carve their drinking vessels from this stone.They would also stud their drinking vessels with amethyst and wear the stones on their body.




Colours of Amethyst

Amethyst is a beautiful warm purple colour, which can range from a deep violet and red to a lighter lilac hue. The most valuable hue is a strong reddish purple shade, but every shade is unique .

Purple has often been considered as a regal colour, and so amethyst often appears in royal and religious jewellery.





Where is Amethyst found?

Russia was a major source of Amethyst until the 19th Century, when large deposits were found in Brazil. Today, the most important sources of Amethyst are Africa and South America. Amethyst can also be found in the United States just out of Phoenix, Arizona. 




How to care for your Amethyst jewellery?

Amethyst has a score of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale ( with 10 being the hardest) and so amethyst can be considered durable enough to be worn every day in all types of jewellery.

If you need to clean your jewellery, consider a professional ultrasonic cleaner, or many of the Connoisseurs cleaning range, which are sold in store, are suitable for gemstone jewellery

We have an extensive collection of Amethyst jewellery in store from stud earrings, to rings set with diamonds. To view our Amethyst collection visit us in store

If you have any further questions regarding an amethyst stone or amethyst jewellery, or if you would like to make an appointment, please call us on 02476 347 038 or email us on [email protected].