Amethyst, February Birthstone

Amethyst is the purple variety of crystalline quartz and ranges in colour from dark purple to light violet, the finest amethyst being a deep purple colour with no colour zoning.  Until the 19th century, amethyst used to be as expensive as rubies and emeralds, until large deposits were discovered in Brazil, with the increase in supply reducing the relative cost of it.

Amethyst has many a number of symbolic associations.  As well as being the birthstone for February, it is the gemstone for 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.  Moreover, St Valentine, the patron of romantic love, is said to have worn a ring carved with the image of cupid.

Mith a Mohs hardness of 7, amethyst is also suited to being cut into a number of different shapes.  The range of colours of amethyst vary from extremely pale to dark purple, with the very pale tones sometimes being called pink amethyst.  Amethyst can also be found in Ametrine, a bi-colour quartz containing the colours of both amethyst and citrine.   It is one of the rarest types of transparent quartz, with the purple of amethyst and citrine's yellow growing together in a single crystal.

Amethyst was one of the first gemstones I worked with when I started making jewellery and continues to be one of my favourites.  My projects have ranged from the Bonbon (below) and Gatsby (middle row) collections to bespoke pieces (bottom) created with gemstones sourced by the client.

Did you know that most of my work is bespoke, created in close collaboration with a client?  This could be a piece for a special occasion such as a landmark birthday or anniversary, or a particular design created to budget to be given as gifts to bridesmaids.  If you have always dreamed of owning something unique, but haven't known how to go about sourcing it or have been too intimidated by the process or potential cost, drop me a line or call me and I would be happy to discuss with you what might be possible.

brandts@hotmail.co.uk

+447770918452

If you would like to learn more about this beautiful gemstone, click here visit the GIA website.