Amethysts remain among the most popular of all colored gemstones, and with the trend towards non-diamond engagement rings growing, it’s a stone that many couples consider. However, while there’s no doubt that amethysts look stunning and have the brilliance and hues to take your ring to the next level, an important consideration is whether it suits daily wear. Let’s take a look at what amethyst is and the pros and cons of this stone for engagement rings.
What Is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a semi-precious gemstone and a purple variety of quartz, which is the third most common mineral on Earth next to ice and feldspar. Quartz is a colorless mineral composed of silicon dioxide and is typically colored by certain impurities. Amethyst is a colorless quartz that is made purple by traces of iron.
Did you know quartz has the greatest number of gemstone varieties? In fact, amethyst is a cousin of citrine, chalcedony, rose quartz, as well as tiger’s-eye quartz and cat’s-eye quartz. In a typical amethyst geode, you’ll often see the first layers as translucent gray and white quartz, followed by purple amethyst crystals.
There are many shades of amethyst, including lavender, light lilac, purple and dark violet. Commonly, it has a cool and bluish-purple hue, but it can also be found in a reddish purple or red-violet color referred to as raspberry. Sometimes, it also shows zones of darker and lighter colors and can have a transparent to opaque appearance and a glass-like luster.
There’s also an ametrine gemstone, which is a combination of amethyst and citrine, featuring the contrasting purple and yellow or orange hues. Just like any quartz, amethyst can be found in silica-rich regions in Brazil, Siberia, Zambia, Spain, Scotland, Swiss Alps, France, Russia, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
Pros and Cons of Amethyst Engagement Rings
As mentioned above, there’s no denying the beauty of an amethyst. But when buying an engagement ring, it’s important to think beyond the beauty of the stone and to consider factors such as durability and toughness. If you want an amethyst engagement ring, here are some of its pros and cons:
Pros:
· Affordable – The gemstone looks as classy and elegant as other colored gemstones but is relatively inexpensive. In fact, they’re a fraction of the cost of blue sapphires.
· Stunning Hue – It has a beauty of its own and the deep purple color stands out, comparable to any other vivid gemstone. You also have lots of shade options from pale lilac to raspberry hues.
· Metal Matches – Amethyst will look good in any metal—yellow gold enhances its deep purple color while white gold showcases its bluish undertones.
· Non-Traditional Ring – Amethyst is a nontraditional gemstone for an engagement ring, making it perfect for someone who has a unique style.
· Birthstone – Amethyst is February’s birthstone, making it more meaningful for ones who were born in the month.
Cons:
· Durability – While amethysts are durable, they’re nowhere near as durable as diamonds and other gemstones like rubies and sapphires. They rank 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is acceptable for daily wear but still prone to damage. While it’s much harder than pearl or opal engagement rings, if you’re looking for something that can take a lot of knocks and still remain undamaged, amethyst may not be it.
· Color Options – If you want different colors, amethyst isn’t for you. It only comes in shades of purple. You’ll hear of green amethyst, but that’s just a marketing term given to green quartz.
· Wear and Tear – Because of the lower durability, amethyst will eventually look dull over time, and may require re-polishing to look good as new. Some lower quality amethyst stones tend to fade when left in direct sunlight.
Cleaning and Caring for Amethyst Rings
Amethyst isn’t as strong as a diamond, but it can last a lifetime with proper care. While they can withstand daily wear and tear, they shouldn’t be exposed to heat and bright lights, which will cause discolorations. Avoid placing amethyst rings near sunny windows and remove them before showering.
Amethyst is still softer than other gemstones like topazes, sapphires and rubies so store your amethyst ring away from harder gemstones and metals. Avoid chemicals to come into contact with your amethyst, including hairspray, lotion and perfume, as these chemicals can cause needless damage. This tip applies to all gemstones.
Amethyst rings can be safely cleaned with mild soap and water but avoid using ultrasonic cleaners. Strong detergents, alkaline solutions, hydrofluoric acid and ammonium fluoride can damage the stone, so it’s best not to wear your ring while doing household chores.
Amethyst Engagement Ring Meaning
It’s not surprising that amethyst has gained various symbolic over time, considering that the stone has been used and valued for centuries. Centuries ago, amethysts were a popular crystal for healing and protection so medieval European soldiers wore them during battles. Leonardo Da Vinci even believed that amethyst dissipates evil thoughts and quickens the intelligence.
The gemstone is sometimes associated with the purity of spirit and believed to be able to strengthen the couple’s spirituality. Some cultures even regard amethyst as a symbol of peace, bringing harmony to relationships. Pink amethyst is also said to instill feelings of calmness, relaxation, trust and tranquility, while purple amethyst is said to provide emotional support and enhance confidence and calmness.
Note that amethysts are also the stone for six-year wedding anniversaries. It’s the ideal gift to give to your other half to celebrate six years together.
Amethyst in History
Back in the time, quartz in general was believed to be ice that had been permanently frozen after long periods of time. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder even justified the belief because the gemstone was commonly found near glaciers in the Alps—not on volcanic mountains. In some regions, amethysts became associated with rituals and magic.
Amethysts have been used for centuries. One of the oldest pieces of amethyst jewelry is an ancient Egyptian amulet dating back to around 700 BCE, which features a crystal lion’s head carving set on a gold baboon figure. In ancient Rome, amethyst cameos dating back to around the 2nd century CE were common.
Between the 10th and 19th centuries, amethysts decorated royal crowns. The Crown of Charlemagne, featured amethyst, along with other gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires and pearls. The stone symbolized the power of the Holy Roman Empire and the monarch.
Because the gemstone was rare, it was valued alongside sapphires, rubies and diamonds. Amethysts wasn’t available to the public and was seen as a stone for the upper classes and for royalty.
Myths About Amethyst
Because of its wine-like color, early Greeks associated it with Dionysus, also called as Bacchus, the god of wine, revelry and ecstasy. In Greek, its name Amethystos means not intoxicated. During the ancient Roman period, it was believed that Bacchus traveled the earth teaching people how to make wine, and some rituals were even held for his honor.
The Greek myth that explains the origins of amethysts says that Dionysus pursued a woman named Amethyste, but she refused his affections and prayed to the gods to help her remain chaste. The goddess Diana answered her prayers and transformed her into a white stone. When Dionysius saw the stone, he poured his goblet of wine over it, coloring its crystals purple.
Another interesting story featuring amethyst pertains to the famous amethyst owned by Heron-Allen, which is believed to be cursed and stained with blood. It was stolen during the Indian Mutiny in 1855 and brought to England—but it was said to bring misfortune, despair and devastation to all who touched it. Heron-Allen packed it in seven boxes and deposited it in the bank with the instruction that it shouldn’t be opened again until thirty years of his death. Eventually, his daughter donated the stone to the Natural History Museum, along with a letter of warning.
Post time: Feb-28-2023