The amethyst is known for its vivid purple hues and is the official birthstone for February. What’s not so widely known is that the name Amethyst came from the ancient Greeks and meant “not drunken”. It was thought the stone could ward off intoxication and help overcome addictions. It was also seen as a stone for royalty due to its purple coloring. Unlike silver earrings that are worn as fashion jewelry pieces, amethyst stones are durable and can be very expensive.
The amethyst stud earring represents a calming and gentling affect on the wearer and is said to be something that lasts a long time and does not tend to damage easily. It is also known as a stone that compliments any wardrobe, whether casual or formal. When cut, the stone is ideal for earrings, especially as studs. This is because a smaller and rounder cut for an amethyst provides a more vivid color and removes the darker/uneven color patches that amethysts usually feature. Some other cuts that are popular for amethyst stud earrings are emerald, pear or heart shaped cuts. Although most amethysts purchased today have been heat-treated to provide a deeper purple color, there are still a variety of hues available. The lighter lilac or lavender shades, known as “Rose De France”, are gaining in popularity and so are also a great alternative to the more popular deep purple shades.
Amethyst earrings bring a great finishing touch to any outfit. The bright violet/purple hues give a burst of color that is very flattering and really stands out and amethysts are especially stunning when surrounded by an outline of diamonds. They are perfect for everyday wear, but can also be beautiful when worn with evening wear. Due to the deep meanings associated with the Amethyst, and the exquisite beauty of the gemstone, they make a great gift idea for someone special, and, due to their abundance, they are very affordable too. The receiver is sure to appreciate the beauty of these lovely gemstones.
Amethyst as jewelry is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around since ancient Rome, Greece, and even Egypt. The Greeks believed that amethyst could prevent drunkenness and often wore it in jewelry or drank from goblets carved from the material. Though we now know this is not true, it is no surprise that amethyst has been used often in jewelry. Among those uses, a popular choice has always been amethyst earrings.
Amethyst is quartz, violet in color, and found in various locations throughout the world. Its purple tint is popular and the material is common enough to keep prices down while providing an elegant look when mounted in jewelry. Amethyst is typically found in volcanic regions with some of the largest lodes having been found in Australia, Brazil, and South Korea. Still, geodes can be found across the globe.
The depth of color determines the value of the stone. Amethyst ranges from a light, reddish purple to a deep violet with hues of blue and red visible depending on the cut and quality of the stone. Green quartz, on occasion, is referred to as green amethyst due to is structural similarity to the traditional violet stones.
Used in pins, broaches and necklaces, amethyst continues to be popular throughout the world. Amethyst earrings, in particular, can add a touch of class and style and can complete a jewelry ensemble or be worn by themselves. Unlike silver earrings, which are the product of a metal deposit, amethyst is a precious stone, which contains large deposits found in places such as Australia and Brazil. In the last couple of centuries, these large deposits have caused the value of the stone to fall dramatically. Yet it continues to be used in fine jewelry as well well as decorative mountings and inlays. With purple being the color of royalty, it is no wonder the stone continues to be popular among the common people and even those of higher social status for jewelry – including earrings.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February.