Amethyst: The February Birthstone

 

Amethyst: the February Birthstone - History, Meaning and Symbolism

Bold, beautiful, and colourful: Amethyst Jewellery has been worn for its mystical properties and vivid, purple colour for thousands of years. It is the birthstone for the month of February.

 

What is Amethyst?

Amethyst is a natural variety of quartz, which is a crystalline mineral of silica. The stunning purple hues of amethyst are a result of hundreds of thousands or even millions of years of compression with natural irradiation and imperfections. It forms in hexagonal pointed structures, with the deepest colour at the tip. Additionally, with its mesmerizing purple colour, examples can range from a very light lilac to deep purple. Furthermore, of all the quartz gemstones, it ranks top for value and desirability.

Most Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Asia, Russia, and Siberia. Also, it measures 7 on the Mohs scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest. Additionally, the darker, rarer stones are the most valuable. These are graded similarly to diamonds, according to purity of colour, clarity, and scale.

February Birthstone

As the February birthstone, Amethyst is linked to love and romance. Indeed, St. Valentine was said to wear a golden amethyst ring. However, throughout history it has also been connected to positivity and good luck. Amethyst is thought to be a calm and protective stone, aiding physical and emotional healing, and relieving stress. Da Vinci once even claimed that amethyst would quicken intelligence and rid the wearer of evil thoughts. Amethyst is also given to celebrate a February anniversary and is the celebratory gem for a sixth wedding anniversary.

 

Colour Psychology: Purple

Purple represents Serenity, Wealth, Contemplation and Creativity. It is associated with luxury and also represents Independence and Grace. Additionally, purple is linked to mysticism and magic and proximity to it is said to inspire new ideas. With a calming effect on body and mind, it is uplifting although its blue undertones also have a soothing quality, said to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Finally, the meaning of purple fluctuates depending on the shade. Lighter shades are romantic with a feminine energy whilst richer, brighter tones are associated with wealth and nobility.

 

Meaning and Mythology

The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek “amethystos” meaning “not drunken” and was worn to counteract the effects of alcohol! This belief can be traced back to the poet Asclepiades of Samos in 320 BC. Consequently, wealthy individuals would add powdered amethyst to their wine and drink from amethyst goblets to help prevent intoxication. For this reason, and the folklore associated with the Greek god Dionysus weeping tears of wine which stained a quartz statue purple, amethyst is associated with having a clear mind.

Similarly, in Christianity, amethysts have been used in the episcopal rings of clergy to represent abstinence from alcohol.

In the Middle Ages, amethyst and the colour purple became a symbol of royalty. Today, amethyst is found in regal jewels all over the world. The Imperial Sceptre with Cross in the British Crown Jewels prominently features a large amethyst at the very top.

 

 

The Amethyst Jewellery Edit: February Birthstone

In this Amethyst Jewellery Edit we round up our favourite pieces featuring the stunning February Birthstone. Selected for their colour and settings, we have a beautiful piece of Amethyst jewellery for every occasion.

The February Birthstone: Pairing Amethyst with Yellow Gold

Yellow gold and Amethyst are a match made in heaven. The warm tone of yellow gold makes the purple colour of Amethyst pop to full effect. Also, it looks fantastic on anyone with a warm or neutral skin tone.

Rub-over set Oval Amethyst Cocktail Ring, Earrings and Pendant

For a contemporary take on amethyst, a rub-over setting shows off the stone in all its splendour. Sleek and simple, we adore these chunky 9ct yellow gold pieces with oval amethysts.

Firstly, this Oval Amethyst Cocktail Ring features a 12x9mm oval amethyst. Wear it on your right hand for a strong style statement.

The matching Oval Amethyst Drop Earrings feature single 12x7mm facet cut amethysts. A lever back fastening offers a sleek silhouette and ensures the security of the earrings.

To complete the suite, a stunning Oval Amethyst Pendant is also available.

 

 

Pear Cut Amethyst and Diamond Pendant

For something a little bolder, this gorgeous elongated pear cut amethyst pendant has a round brilliant cut diamond accent. The yellow gold setting showcases its vivid purple colouring beautifully with the diamond providing a subtle sparkle. This statement piece looks amazing on its own. However, it could easily be paired with some pear cut amethyst stud earrings, or small double drop amethyst earrings.

 

 

The February Birthstone: Pairing Amethyst with Rose Gold

Rose gold looks great with both warm and cool skin tones, suiting those with olive and pink undertones. Rose gold complements amethyst beautifully and for real contrast, looks amazing set alongside other coloured stones.

This 14ct Rose Gold Amethyst and Moonstone Bracelet with matching 42cm Necklace is a fantastic example. Featuring matt finishing, it’s a wonderful addition to any jewellery collection.

We also love this attractive 9ct Rose Gold Amethyst and Rose Quartz Chain Bracelet with matching 9ct Amethyst and Rose Quartz Necklace. The 17” necklace and 8.25” bracelet both feature a single amethyst which stands out alongside the rose quartz as the perfect complement.

 

 

Modern Rose Gold Amethyst & Diamond Set

For a more classic styling in rose gold, we have this beautiful pear cut amethyst necklace with diamond accent and matching drop earrings.

With metal surrounding the gemstone, the amethyst is set in a modern rub over setting. Also, it features 4 round brilliant cut diamonds. Furthermore, the top section is set in a pear shaped setting, with three round brilliant cut diamonds as the flexible drop section. Additionally, diamonds spaced on the front of the chain provide a subtle sparkle accent.

 

 

The February Birthstone: Pairing Amethyst with White Gold

Pairing White gold with amethyst offers a lighter look and suits those with a cool skin tone.

Modern White Gold & Amethyst Pieces

Firstly, this elegant 9ct Rectangular Amethyst Pendant features an octagonal stone with four simple, pointed claws which draw the eye in. Similarly, 9ct Rectangular Amethyst Earrings with lever fittings complete the look.

Whenever a flash of colour is needed, a little pair of studs such as these 9ct Square Amethyst Studs are more than enough to brighten up your look.

For earrings with more dramatic impact, these 9ct Amethyst Double Drop Earrings feature two octagonal rub-over set amethysts.

For a truly feminine piece, we love this 9ct Amethyst Bar Necklet. With 13 round claw-set amethysts, the length of the necklet is adjusted between 16-20 inches.

 

 

If oval is your preferred shape, this 9ct Oval Amethyst Dress Ring features a 7x5mm stone in a semi rub-over setting. The sides are open to allow light into the stone and an optimal view.

Although Amethyst is the February birthstone, that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by everyone. As it is such a versatile gemstone it can be worn in any style or setting. Wear it as an everyday piece of jewellery or as something more dressy for a special occasion. You can view our full range of amethyst items here.