February Birthstone

Amethyst is coloured by trace iron and natural radiation working on quartz over millions of years. The most prized colour is a deep, saturated purple with secondary red or blue flashes, sometimes called Siberian colour after the historic Russian deposits. Lighter lavender stones are widely available and look soft and modern in white gold and platinum. The name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning not intoxicated, after the Greek belief that the stone could guard against drunkenness and keep the mind clear.

Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough for rings, eternity bands and everyday earrings. Strong sunlight and high heat can fade the colour over years of exposure, so a daily ring in a window-facing job is a slightly riskier home for amethyst than the studio.

Amethyst was used in Egyptian amulets, set into Greek signet rings and worn in the British Crown Jewels. Until vast Brazilian deposits were discovered in the 19th century, fine amethyst was priced alongside ruby, sapphire and emerald. Medieval bishops favoured amethyst for ecclesiastical rings, and the stone is still strongly associated with the colour purple.

A deep purple amethyst pendant on a fine yellow gold chain is a classic gift that reads dressy without being formal. Cocktail rings suit amethyst because the colour carries a larger stone well. Lighter lavender amethyst with diamond accents works as a soft, modern alternative to a coloured engagement ring.

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Most amethyst is safe for ultrasonic cleaning, but stones with visible fractures should be cleaned by hand. Keep amethyst out of long direct sunlight to protect the saturated colour over time.