February birthstone
Amethyst
The February birthstone is amethyst, the purple variety of quartz. It sits at 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a practical everyday stone, and it comes in a wide range from pale lilac to the deep reddish purple that nineteenth century jewelers prized. Amethyst was once valued alongside emerald and ruby, and only became affordable when large Brazilian deposits opened in the nineteenth century.
- Species
- Purple quartz
- Color range
- Pale lilac through to deep reddish purple
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Also this month
- Nothing else on the modern US list
Because amethyst was expensive before Brazil, the stones set in Georgian and early Victorian jewelry were selected when standards were still very high. That is the quiet argument for buying amethyst antique rather than new: the color saturation in a good period stone is often better than what you will find at the same price today.
The classic antique amethyst is a large, open, richly colored oval or cushion in a simple yellow gold mount, sometimes with a foiled closed back in the earliest pieces. Victorian jewelers also used amethyst with seed pearls, which is one of the most recognizable color pairings of the period.
Amethyst can fade with long, direct sun exposure, so a stone that has kept a deep even color for a century has usually been looked after. Uneven color zoning is normal and is not a fault; it is how the crystal grew.
In antique and vintage jewelry
Large open cushions and ovals in yellow gold, Georgian foiled closed back rings, Victorian pairings with seed pearls, and Art Deco pieces where amethyst is set against clean geometry.
Wearing and caring for it
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Keep amethyst out of prolonged direct sunlight, which can pale the color permanently, and out of steam cleaners.
As a gift
Amethyst gives real size for the money, so it is the stone to choose when you want visible presence in an everyday piece rather than a small, precious one.
Common questions
Why was amethyst once so valuable?
Before the large Brazilian deposits were worked in the nineteenth century, supply was small and amethyst was priced alongside emerald and ruby. Its status changed with supply, not with quality.
Can amethyst fade?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight can lighten the color permanently, so store amethyst pieces away from a sunny windowsill.
Is amethyst treated?
Heat treatment is used in the trade, including to produce citrine from amethyst. Any treatment we can identify is stated in the description of the piece.
Shop the pieces
Shop amethyst jewelry
Antique and vintage pieces set with amethyst, each one a single example.
Nothing matching this is available right now. Every piece is a single example and sells once, so this changes weekly. Browse everything in stock or ask our buyers to look for it.