February Birthstone – Amethyst

Amethyst is the birthstone for babies that are born in February. While the month of February is considered as short, cold and dark, the amethyst birthstone brings in peace, strength and courage to the life of people. A beautifully crafted quartz stone in purple colour, Amethyst is preferred for manufacturing precious stone jewellery and as a lucky stone as well.

History

Because of their grape-like color, the Greeks associated these gems with the wine god, Bacchus. They believed that wearing an amethyst could protect you from drunkenness—in fact the word amethystos meant “not drunk” in ancient Greek. For centuries, Amethyst has been associated with many myths and legends as well as religions in numerous cultures.

Not only is it the beautiful color that makes this gem so popular but it is also widely available in different shapes and sizes which makes it more affordable. Amethyst complements both warm and cool colors so it looks fabulous set in both yellow and white metals.

Purple has long been considered a regal color, so amethysts frequently appear in royal and religious jewelry. Buddhists have believed that amethyst enhances meditation, and the gem is often used for Tibetan prayer beads. Various cultures have associated amethyst with peace, balance and courage, and ascribed to it the ability to cure insomnia and relieve pain. Until the 19^th century amethysts were as valuable and expensive as emeralds, sapphires and rubies, but then a large deposit of amethysts was discovered in Brazil. Although this lowered the gems’ financial value, the trove of Brazilian gems allowed large amethysts to be used more frequently in jewelry.

Characteristics

Amethysts come in colors ranging from deep purple to the palest shades of pastel lavender and even pink. The most valuable hue is a strong reddish purple shade, but we love every shade of amethyst. Lavender hues look particularly stunning in amethyst engagement rings when complemented by diamond accents. Most amethysts have excellent clarity, with no inclusions visible to the naked eye, and are available in a variety of cuts and carat weights.

A type of quartz, amethyst crystals can be huge, weighing more than 100 pounds, and sometimes form in hollow geodes big enough to stand in.

How do you pick the perfect stone?

When at the time of buying an Amethyst stone for yourself or your kid, it is considered that you pick a gemstone that is strong purple in color or is reddish purple. However, if you want to buy the gemstone that is affordable, then it is suggested that you go for color that are little less saturated.

Clarity of the stone is another important factor that you should keep in mind when looking to buy proper stone or Amethyst jewellery. The gemstone should have negligible or zero incision and there should be no cut into beads.

The gemstone can be availed in variety of cuts and as well as sizes. So, if you are looking to wear it as a bracelet or necklace, then it is important that you opt for a fine cut gem having a good finish and matched set of facets.