February Birthstone: Amethyst
February's Regal Gem: Amethyst
For the birthstone of the second month of the calendar year, we celebrate amethyst. Long associated with royalty, this beautiful purple stone is believed to strengthen relationships and give courage to those who wear it. And specifically for birth-month wearers, amethyst is a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. Also, in some cultures, this purple gemstone is believed to help relieve stress and anxiety.
A Stone Steeped in History and Royalty
Throughout history, many cultures have adopted amethyst for a variety of reasons. In ancient Greece, the stone was thought to aid with alleviating drunkenness and was often associated with Bacchus, the God of wine. The Greeks also believed the stone helped keep the wearer quick-witted and clear-headed in both business dealings and on the battlefield. Amethyst has long been associated with royalty due to its purple color. This is largely due to the expense that came along with purchasing and wearing purple fabrics by royals. Amazing Amethyst stones and jewelry can be found and traced back to many royal families from Asia and Europe. Actually, at one point only royals were permitted to don the purple stone.
Where Does Amethyst Come From?
Amethyst deposits have been found in many parts of the world, from Russia to Brazil, Arizona to parts of Africa. These deposits usually contain large geode-like collections of the stone, as well as its beautiful sibling, the bi-colored Amethine (a natural combination of amethyst and citrine). However, natural deposits aren't the only source of amethyst. Lab-created amethyst has been in production since around 1970. These lab-grown gems are chemically and optically identical to their mined counterparts. So much so that even experienced jewelers often can't distinguish between the two without professional certification. However, it's important to know that a jeweler will be required to disclose the origin of any gemstone or diamond, whether it's lab-grown or naturally mined.
Caring for Your Amethyst Jewelry
If you're fortunate enough to own a piece of amethyst jewelry, remember that it ranks a respectable 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means while it's suitable for daily wear, you should exercise caution when storing it near harder gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, as well as softer gems such as pearls or opals, to prevent scratching. Over time, even with daily use, amethyst may show signs of wear, making regular cleaning and polishing essential to maintain its luster. For a quick refresh at home, a soft brush and mild soap will work wonders in restoring its shine.
Discover Amethyst and More at Our Stores
Discover a curated selection of antique and vintage estate jewelry at CLT Jewels today. We also invite you to visit Malak Jewelers to explore our beautiful collection of amethyst jewelry, alongside other exquisite gemstones, diamond engagement and wedding rings, luxurious 22k gold pieces, and a diverse array of estate jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and other fine jewelry treasures. You can find us in South Charlotte, North Carolina, at The Arboretum Shopping Center, conveniently located at the corner of Providence Road and Pineville-Matthews Road/Highway 51. We're open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and we look forward to helping you find your perfect piece!