What is Amethyst? Amethyst Gemstone Buying Guide

What is Amethyst? 

Amethyst is probably the best known and easiest to identify purple gemstone. In ancient times, they were once royal treasures alongside diamonds and the "Big Three" colored gemstones (rubies, sapphires and emeralds). Surprisingly, amethyst is actually made from the very common quartz crystal. Unlike other quartz varieties, amethyst has a distinctive lavender to deep purple hue, the hue of which is determined by lattice defects created by radiation combined with trace elements and iron.

The discovery of large amethyst deposits in Brazil in the 20th century caused prices to plummet. In contrast to diamonds where De Beers controls and even manipulates their prices when supplies are rapidly increasing, there is no tight control over the supply of amethyst to maintain its prices.

Color is the main factor when buying an amethyst jewelry, but there are many other things to keep in mind. Size, clarity, durability, and more all play a role in getting the best value for money when purchasing this deep purple gemstone.

Color

Amethyst is a type of quartz that ranges in color from lilac with pink undertones to delicate lavender all the way to deep plum and raspberry. Some can show hints of blue and red, and some even have some rich brown versions. Darker colors are most valuable, with intense red-purple or deep purple, uniform color throughout the stone being the most popular. If the colors are too dark, they will appear black in dim lighting, thus reducing their value.

Remember, if it's not purple, it's not amethyst - there's no such thing as green or yellow amethyst!

Clarity

When used as a gemstone, only clear and clean amethyst should be considered. The highest clarity gemstones are abundant, so there is no need to spend money on gems with internal flaws or cracks.

Carat

Amethyst is popular in part because it offers large carat net weights at very reasonable prices. 5 ct and 10 ct gems abound, and even 40 ct and above are not hard to find, and at prices that won’t break the bank. Unlike many gemstones, the price per carat of amethyst does not increase dramatically with size—the price per carat remains the same regardless of size.

Cut/Shape

As part of the quartz family, amethysts are tough and durable gemstones, so they don't pose too many problems for skilled cutters. They can be purchased in every possible shape, from the familiar round, oval and heart cuts to the more unusual fancy and floral cuts. Find some interesting cabochon-cut amethysts for classic-looking jewelry.

Don't underestimate the importance of an amethyst cut. The gem's biggest selling point is its deep, even color and shimmering luster—both of which can be ruined by a poor cut.

Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst has always been a coveted piece of jewelry, once as precious as sapphires and rubies. The discovery of large deposits around the world, especially in Brazil, means that prices have dropped significantly.

Amethyst's regular availability, brilliant color and versatility make it a favorite among jewelers around the world. A steady supply of materials also means that matching gemstones of all sizes to match with a jewelry set are easy to obtain.

The large size makes them ideal for eye-catching amethyst rings, amethyst earrings or amethyst necklaces.

Treatments

Like almost all gemstones, amethyst can be treated with heat to lighten or darken the stone, but this is uncommon as the result of heating can be unstable. Some heated amethysts may be counterfeited as citrine if they turn orange, and amethyst if they turn green - we do not sell them at GemSelect.

Birthstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

Wedding Gem

Amethyst is a traditional wedding gift for the sixth anniversary.

Durability

Amethyst has a Mohs hardness scale of 7

What is Russian Amethyst?

High-quality amethysts have been found on the western border of the Ural Mountains, and as far as we know, they have not been commercially mined in this area for a long time. The Russians also produce hydrothermal synthetic amethysts.

Is Amethyst Considered Precious or Semi-precious?

Traditionally, it is called a semi-precious stone. The FTC and AGTA are trying to get rid of the "precious" and "semi-precious" terms used to separate diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies from all other gemstones, but rare "semi-precious" gems such as alexandrite and tsavor Laysite garnets can be as expensive or more expensive than their precious counterparts.

What is the Difference Between Amethyst and Tanzanite?

Amethyst is a variant of the mineral quartz group, and tanzanite is a variant of the epidote group. Amethyst has a hexagonal crystal system, and Tanzanite has an orthorhombic crystal system. Besides being a different chemical composition and crystal structure, tanzanite is found in only one part of the world, while amethyst is found all over the world. Tanzanite is highly pleochroic, and many exhibit a color shift or color change depending on the light source, which we have seen in fine Rwandan and Uruguayan amethysts.

Summary

Amethyst is a much-loved gemstone that dates back thousands of years and is well-deservedly associated with royalty, the rich, famous, and saints. Its spiritual strength is legendary, rivaled only by its stunning beauty. For the price, there is no better gem.

Fascinated by amethyst? Check out our assortment at HER'S, or shop from the 7 stunning amethyst jewelry we've hand-picked for you below.

1. Pear-shaped Amethyst Engagement Ring

The velvety purple brilliance of the central amethyst is complemented by four shimmering small amethyst stones. The pear-shaped Amethyst Engagement Ring is feminine and stylish.

2.Silver Amethyst Ring

The combination of the violet hue of the amethyst and the modern twist of a classic design makes this Silver Amethyst Ring a truly special one she's sure to fall in love with.

3.Amethyst Heart Shaped Wedding Ring

This exquisite Amethyst Wedding Ring features a beautiful heart-shaped gemstone carved from luscious Brazilian amethyst. Its vibrant color and sparkle, dotted with small green amethysts on the white gold band, make it a truly romantic gift. It can also be worn with the matching earrings below.

4.Amethyst Hoop Earrings

The majestic deep purple hue of this 2.67 carat amethyst gem reflects light perfectly, and small green amethysts are subtly set on the hoop, adding a vintage feel and exclusivity. These earrings are a great gift for someone special or for yourself.

5. Amethyst Drop Earrings

Noble and delicate amethyst has won hearts all over the world. Intense purple amethyst is paired with 5 small round amethysts on these enviable earrings. These earrings feature a prong setting and fasten with lever back buckles for added style and elegance.

6.Amethyst Crystal Bracelet

Crafted in silver, this Amethyst Crystal Bracelet has a timeless aesthetic. The prong-set round amethyst exudes a stunning deep purple hue. This amethyst eternity bracelet is secured with a buckle. Marquise-shaped purple amethysts arranged in three rows are dazzling and luxurious.