February Birthstone: Amethyst

I suppose I should be an expert on amethyst, as my birthday is this month…but I’m not. I enjoyed researching this birthstone and going on my (much-loved) virtual shopping spree. Unlike so many stones which come in a wide range of colors, amethyst really sticks to the purple family, from lavender and lilac to deep purple and red-violet. The amount of iron in the quartz determines the shade of purple. Though I have heard of green amethyst over the years, I learned this is a misnomer. Green amethyst is in fact created by heating a natural amethyst, and its true name is prasiolite. (Click here for a more detailed description.)

Amethyst comes from the Greek word meaning “without drunkenness” and has often been referred to as the sobriety stone. It can be transparent or opaque (didn’t know that!), and it has some potent qualities, such as:

-guards against overindulgence
-aids with curing addictions
-it is “nature’s tranquilizer,” helping soothe the mind and emotions
-brings the wearer balance and peace
-wonderful in meditation, as it opens the channels between realms
-enhances intuition and psychic ability

Having this new knowledge in mind, I set off on my quest for amethyst jewelry. With colored stones currently so en vogue, I was surprised there weren’t more pieces to be found. Many popular jewelry sites I visited didn’t have a single amethyst piece. (What?!) I have a feeling this is going to change with the coming season. I know many designers are amping up their color game. Nonetheless, I found many items I would be very happy to have in my own jewelry box. In no particular order:

Sevan Bicakci pave fish padlock

sevan bicakci pave fish padlock
sevan bicakci padlock
Jacquie Aiche mini amethyst pyramid triangle wrap ring

jacquie aiche mini amethyst pyramid triangle wrap ring
Antique Arts & Crafts sterling and amethyst bangle

antique arts & crafts silver and amethyst bangle
Lola Brooks 18K & amethyst teardrop earrings

lola brooks 18K & amethyst teardrop earrings
Jamie Joseph rectangle ametrine ring (combo of amethyst and citrine)

jamie joseph rectangular ametrine ring
Stephen Webster “fly by night” amethyst dagger drop earrings (The dangling part can be removed as well.)

stephen webster fly by night amethyst dagger drop earrings
stephen webster earrings
Alison Lou amethyst and purple enamel ring

alison lou amethyst and purple enamel ring
Ila amethyst, sapphire and diamond earrings

ila drop earrings
Irene Neuwirth amethyst ring

irene neuwirth amethyst ring
So what do you think? Do any of these gems spark your interest? I guess it’s time for me to find my self-gift for my birthday! (But where is my bottomless wallet??) Sending warm birthday wishes to my fellow February-ians. (Yes, I just made up that name.)

14 thoughts on “February Birthstone: Amethyst”

  1. One of my favorite stones (not surprising given my love of purple). Thanks for the information and the photos. There are a few pieces here I’d love to have!

    I have a request for a future blog post: how to blend medical alert jewelry and fitness trackers into your jewelry look. If there is a way, I’m sure you’re the one with the solution.

    1. You ARE a purple-loving girl, Rose! And thanks for the blog post idea–great one. Hmmmm….I’ll have to think about that one! 🙂

  2. Wow, I love the lock(et)!! There are other pieces I really like as well. Who knew these would be hard to find but you certainly found some lovelies!!

  3. One of my favorite stones as well! The triangle ring is my favorite, although I would be totally happy with every piece!

  4. Have an art nouveau set, pin and bracelet, (silver and giant amethyst), from my mother, and my sister has a sweet,oval amethyst and seed pearl ring from my mother, which was her birthstone; think there might be more amethyst in vintage jewelry.

    1. That’s very possible, Merna. I know stones go in and out of popularity. I, too, have some vintage pieces with amethyst. 🙂

  5. I’m always excited when I see a designer I’ve not yet met in your blog. In this case there are two – Lois Brooks and Ila. What a fun read! Your blog is one of my favorite pick-me-up distractions during the workday. Also, the Sevan Bickaki piece is sublime. Now I’m going to enjoy taking a look at what else Lois Brooks has going on. Great piece, Amy.

    1. Thanks so much, Andrea! I love finding new designers as well. And one of these days, I long to own a Sevan Bicakci piece!!!

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