Amethyst: February's Beautiful Birthstone

Amethyst is a distinctively purple hued and semi translucent variety of quartz. It is a popular gemstone in jewellery making and has been since its discovery because, being a type of quartz, its hardness and rich colour make it both strong and aesthetically beautiful.

Amethyst Origins

Amethyst is found in numerous countries, most notably Siberia, Sri Lanka and Brazil. Of all examples of amethyst the Deep Siberian is the most coveted and as such valuable. What sets the Deep Siberian amethyst apart is its rich purple hue coupled with secondary blue and red hues.

That said, amethysts of every kind have remained popular and have been used by jewellery designers for many years. It is this long enduring popularity and the distinctive beauty of the amethyst that has lead it to become one of the 12 birthstones, and recognised as the February stone.

Amethyst Etymology

Perhaps of all the gemstones best loved in modern times, the name given to the amethyst is the most curious. The word amethyst derives from Ancient Greek. The first part of the word, a, in Ancient Greek can be translated to mean not. Meanwhile, the latter part of the word, amethyst, is obtained from the word mthystos which in Ancient Greek means intoxicated, or drunk.

Then, the word amethyst means not drunk and rather than describing any concrete attribute imbued by the gemstone is so called because in ancient times this purple hued stone was said to protect its wearer from the intoxicating powers of alcohol. As such, the amethyst is often referred to, even today, as the sobriety stone.

Amethyst Symbolism

In our contemporary times, the amethyst is no longer just associated with warding off or curing drunkenness, though it is entirely possible that many of the powers the amethyst is today celebrated as having derive directly from its Greek origins.

In 2016 amethysts are believed to be a particularly spiritual and meditative stone which is said to bring calmness and peace. Those who choose to wear this beautiful birthstone are too said to reap the benefits and restore balance and tranquillity to their minds.

Amethyst Gift Ideas: Suffragette Jewellery

Amethysts, when used in jewellery making, are often set into gold as the combination of amethysts rich purple colour against gold creates a truly dazzling contrast. Hence, from rings to necklaces and earrings, many looking to buy and gift amethysts opt to search for a piece that involves gold.

There are also several complimentary or contrastingly bold gemstones that are as such often inlaid into amethyst bearing jewellery. In the Victorian period of jewellery making, for example, amethysts were often set alongside vivid green peridot stones as part of ornate gold necklace, earring and suffragette bracelets and pendants.

So, for an unusual, bold, beautiful and feminine gift option for someone born in February, a suffragette bracelet or less common and often far more elaborate suffragette pendent makes exactly that; celebrating femininity and beauty foremost, suffragette jewellery also recognises by means of its intricate designs the complexity of a woman's beauty and when worn, symbolise female beauty as being something that transcends aesthetics and encompasses, like the amethyst, strength and depth.

To browse examples of amethyst inlaid jewellery and our collection of suffragette pieces, simply head over to the amethyst jewellery section. There, you will also find an array of amethysts inlaid in silver as well as set alongside a veritable rainbow of stones, from dreamy opals to striking topaz and exquisite elegant diamonds.

Interested in finding out more? Why not take a look at our other helpful articles here. You can find our full collection of antique and vintage pieces here.