All About that Amethyst
February’s birthstone is a beautiful gem that has been the most-prized quartz for many years. It is the amethyst. At one point, this gem was only provided to royalty, though nowadays it is more widely spread thanks to more plentiful supplies. Being that amethysts are more available and more cost effective, this birthstone is used in mass-market jewelry in addition to designer pieces. Keep reading to learn the basics of Amethyst and where to shop for Amethyst Jewelry! History & Origin The wine-like color of this birthstone is the reason the ancient Greeks associated amethysts with Dionysius, which is the greek god of wine. Other legends believed that this gemstone made its wearer more clear-headed and quick-witted in business as well as in battle. And being that amethysts were once believed to have an association with wine, it was believed that wearing this gemstone prevented drunkenness. Amethysts have been set in royal crown jewels as well as religious jewelry. And long ago, it was considered as valuable as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Color Amethysts range in color from a very pale purple to an intensely strong reddish to dark purple. Depending on the darkness of this gemstone, under dim lights, amethysts may look like they are black. If an amethyst is found with a brown or bronze-like tint in the purple, or evidence of color zoning, then the value of this particular amethyst is lowered dramatically. A lot of amethysts have a light color or strong zones of lighter and darker purple, which again, as previously mentioned, lowers its value. Color zoning is more obvious when amethysts are placed face-down behind a white background. Those that buy loose amethysts identify color zoning by placing the amethysts against a white background. It is possible to lighten the tone of a dark amethyst through a heat treatment. It is not uncommon for low quality light purple amethysts and quartz to be dyed to a more prominent purple. Cut Amethyst is a gemstone that can be cut into many shapes and cutting styles. These shapes include but are not limited to round, pear, oval, emerald cut, marquise, and cushion. This gemstone is also a popular stone for cutting into freeform shapes. This may be done by automated cutting or by hand. And in addition to concave faceting, carvings of objects and animals is often as done as well for decoration and spiritual reasons such as crystal healing. Clarity A lot of amethysts lack inclusions that are visible to the eye. African material often has more inclusions than Brazilian material does. Amethysts that have inclusions that are visible to the eye but have an appealing color are typically cut as cabochons or beads. Very rarely does amethyst undergo a fracture-filling treatment to improve the clarity of the stone. A Great Gift Amethysts are a beautiful gift idea that your significant other is guaranteed to love. With Spring right around the corner, an amethyst jewelry piece is the perfect way to show your partner how much you love them. If your partner is non-traditional then they are a great choice for gemstone engagement rings because of the unique touch they will add to the ring. Additionally, amethyst jewelry is not only available in stackable rings and engagement rings, but they are also available in many jewelry types like earrings, necklaces, and pendants, and bracelets. OUR ESTATE COLLECTION Here at Malak Jewelers, we have a plethora of amethyst jewelry for all jewelry lovers. Specifically, you will find some of the most unique and intricate amethyst pieces in our Estate Collection! So make sure to come see us in the Arboretum Shopping Center and one of our jewelry experts will help you find the best amethyst jewelry piece for you and get started with our online selection here!