Amethyst

Amethyst is the signature purple gemstone, celebrated for its rich violet colour and intriguing history. In ancient times, amethyst was counted among the most precious gems (alongside diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald) until vast deposits were discovered in the 19th century, particularly in Brazil. Today, amethyst is a beloved semi-precious stone and the birthstone of February. Its name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunken,” stemming from a belief that the stone could ward off intoxication. An amethyst engagement ring is an unconventional but meaningful choice, often favoured by those who adore the colour purple or have a personal connection to the stone. With a Mohs hardness of 7, amethyst is moderately hard – similar to other quartz gems – and suitable for rings with some care. It may not be as resistant to wear as sapphire or diamond, so choosing a protective setting and avoiding rough wear will keep an amethyst ring looking its best over time. The stone’s royal purple hue has long been associated with nobility and luxury (amethyst adorned ancient Egyptian and British crown jewels alike), adding a regal touch to any ring design. 

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale) – amethyst is fairly durable but will show wear over years if not treated gently. It’s hard enough for regular jewellery, though slightly softer than top engagement ring stones. Over time, an amethyst may need re-polishing to restore its surface lustre, especially if worn daily in a ring. 

Colour: Purple in various shades. Amethyst can range from light lilac to deep royal purple. The most prized amethyst colour is a strong reddish-purple with no brown undertones (often called “Siberian” deep purple in the gem trade). Because of its abundance, amethyst offers the chance to have a large, eye-catching stone at a reasonable price; even better, larger stones often show richer colour. Note that some amethysts can fade if exposed to intense sunlight over long periods, so it's wise to store jewellery out of direct light. 

Origin: Amethyst is found worldwide. Brazil and Uruguay produce huge geodes of amethyst crystals, while Zambia and other African countries yield deeply-coloured material. Russia’s Ural Mountains are a historically famous source of amethysts, as well. North America also has amethyst deposits, such as those in Thunder Bay, Canada and Four Peaks, Arizona.  

Notable Fact: Amethyst’s legend of preventing drunkenness comes from Greek mythology – according to one tale, the wine god Bacchus spilled his wine on a quartz crystal, dyeing it purple and giving us the amethyst gem. The word amethystos literally translates to “not intoxicated”.  

Throughout history, amethyst has symbolized clarity of mind and spiritual wisdom. It was also once reserved for royalty; for example, amethyst was a favourite of Catherine the Great and adorned the British Crown Jewels. Choosing amethyst for an engagement ring can impart a sense of creativity, individuality and a bit of mystical charm. 

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