The word ‘amethyst’ has a Greek origin and refers to ‘sobriety’ – guiding its owner into a serious mindset. The amethyst stone not only has a rich historical background but is also a stunning piece of jewellery tied to the month of February in the birthstone calendar year.

Here’s a few key facts you’ll need to know before purchasing an amethyst or a piece of jewellery with an amethyst within it.

What Is an Amethyst?

Amethysts are members of the quartz family and are traditionally considered one of the most valuable gemstones among diamonds, rubies, emeralds and a few choice others. In terms of value, amethyst collectors search for depth of colour – including the possibility of red flashes if they are cut conventionally.

Value for amethysts depends almost entirely on colour. The ideal colour of an amethyst is called ‘Deep Siberian’ and is extremely rare, but there are also green quartz varieties that are called green amethysts. Light-coloured amethysts are enjoying a resurgence in popularity as of late, with the pinkish, lighter shades titled ‘Rose de France’.

Deposits of amethyst can still be found in the vicinities of Greece, Italy, North Africa, Brazil and the Middle East, and the origin of rich purple amethysts can be traced back to royalty, who wore them as a symbol of heightened status. Today, as is the case with other gemstone varieties, amethyst can be easily produced in laboratories.

The History of Amethyst Stones

In Greek mythology, amethyst was rock crystal dyed purple by the tears of Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment. As such, ancient Romans and Greeks used to wear the amethyst stone while making drinking vessels, as they believed the stone could prevent intoxication. Throughout the ages, amethysts have also been used as a symbol of royalty – with some even decorating the British Crown Jewels. The amethyst was also a personal favourite gem of Queen Catherine the Great of Russia.

Amethyst also holds religious connotations. During the Middle Ages, the amethyst stone represented piety and celibacy, was used to adorn crosses, and was also worn by members of the Catholic clergy during church services. It was also considered one of the Cardinal gems in the Old World, in that it was one of the five gemstones that was considered precious above all other gemstones – that is, until large deposits were located in Brazil.

How Did Amethysts Become the Birthstone for February?

Aaron, also known as ‘Aaron the Priest’, was the brother of Moses. Aaron wore a special garment which had a crystal breast plate – for which Moses provided specific instructions regarding its design. There were twelve gemstones on the breastplate, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel. Despite some initial controversy, at the formation of the traditional calendar year, these twelve stones are today viewed as the definitive chart of astrological birthstones.

It is said that the amethyst is the stone of Saint Valentine, who was believed to wear an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid, within it. This is believed to be a reason for the amethyst’s placement as February’s birthstone, as Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated in the month of February.

Types of Amethyst Stones

Amethyst stones appear in a variety of shapes and shades – ranging from light purple tints to gems that are nearly black. The most well-known types of amethyst are purple, pink, mossy, ametrine, cape and prasiolite.

Pink stones are considered the least valuable as they feature an extremely light and indistinct lavender hue. Mossy stones, on the other hand, can appear in both light and dark hues and have veins that are visible throughout the bead.

Cape amethyst stones feature hints of milky white quartz, whereas ametrine is one of the rarest gemstones and contains a mixture of yellow and purple hues in the single crystal – a feat that rarely occurs in nature.

Lastly, prasiolite quartz features a yellow-green hue with slight tinges of purple throughout.

What Jewellery Pieces Do Amethysts Go Best With?

The amethyst gem is durable enough for use in a variety of jewellery pieces, such as rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and other types of jewellery. Plus, as there are enormous deposits of amethyst across the world, there is enough material to keep the gem’s price point low enough that most people can afford to purchase jewellery that contains it.

Amethyst jewellery has been consistently popular over time – particularly due to its elegant, sophisticated look. Generally, set in 925 sterling silver, gold or rose gold, there are plenty of options when it comes to purchasing amethyst jewellery.

Amethyst pendant jewellery is a great way to display the depth and complexity of the amethyst stone. Craftsmanship is key when it comes to amethyst pendants, so it pays to be picky when making your pendant selection to ensure you find the perfect cut, length and general display.

Amethyst bracelets are another popular jewellery type that perfectly display the gemstone’s beauty. As no two amethyst crystals are the same, an amethyst bracelet is an incredibly unique way to display the beauty accessible in unevenness.

Studs, drop earrings, and threader earrings are the most popular types of amethyst jewellery settings for earrings. And lastly, when it comes to rings, an amethyst is extremely effective alone as a statement stud. If searching for the perfect amethyst ring, don’t be afraid to go simple and let the amethyst stone shine through as the hero of the piece.

Whether it’s an amethyst necklace, pendant, earring, bracelet or engagement ring, look no further than the expert team at Perth’s Allgem Jewellers. Conveniently located in Hay Street Mall in the CBD, Allgem’s wide range of gemstone jewellery pieces, including a range of amethyst pieces, is sure to suit all design preferences. Contact our professional master jewellers or visit our showroom to take a look at our wide range of luxurious gemstone jewellery.

Derived from the 14^th century Middle English word “Gernet”, meaning “dark red”, garnets are one of the most plentiful gemstones on the market. There are few types of gems that offer such a broad range of size, lustre and colour as a garnet, explaining why this mainstream gem has exploded in popularity over recent years.

Here’s everything you need to know about the birthstone of January, the garnet.

What Is A Garnet?

A garnet is a species of gemstone, comprised of a group of mineral species that virtually always occur in blends. As a result, the garnet family is one of the most complex of all of the world’s gems.

Garnets can be found as individual crystals or pebbles, and are most commonly found with reddish shades, but can appear in almost any colour. Therefore, although red is the most traditional colour of a garnet, some of the highest-value garnets are in shades of green or orange.

Garnets are the birthstones for those born in January, and also serve as the stone that celebrates the 2^nd anniversary of marriage. Garnets are also believed to be one of the oldest birthstones and have been used and circulated for thousands of years.

The History of Garnets

As well as the above Middle English translation, the word ‘garnet’ is derived from the Latin word “Garanatus”, meaning “seedlike”, in reference to a pomegranate. Garnets were first used as a sacred stone by the Mayans, Aztecs and Native American Indians, and was also used for protection for travellers who were away from home.

During history, many women wore garnets because of the gem’s ancient connections with the feminine life force. They were extremely popular in Europe during both the 18^th and 19^th centuries, as well as in Victorian times. The garnet was also praised for its protective and curative powers and was said to be used for its perceived medicinal purposes as well as for its striking colour and appearance.

Today, garnets are worn not only ornamentally in jewellery pieces, but are also used in industrial markets, making up items from watch gears to sandpaper.

How Did Garnets Become the Birthstone for January?

Experts believe that the origin of monthly birthstones can be traced back as far as the Bible. In Exodus 28, Moses creates directions for making garments for Aaron, High Priest of the Hebrews. One such direction was that his breastplate should contain twelve precious gemstones, indicating Israel’s twelve tribes. These stones were later linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac, and eventually, to the twelve months of the calendar year.

Some call garnets the ‘gem of faith’, as legend suggests that those who wear garnets can bring peace, prosperity and good health to those they encounter. Therefore, this is the perfect gemstone for those with a January birthday who want to begin the New Year with a profound sense of peace, happiness and goodwill. The zodiac sign for the garnet gemstone is Aquarius, which also ties in well with the shared trait of creativity between the stone and those with this zodiac sign.

Types of Garnets

Almandine

Almandine is the most widely used garnet type on the market and has a scarlet colour with brownish overtones. As such, this type is tied to the Earth, and is a stone of physical love and relationships, as well as psychic protection.

Andradite

The Andradite garnet displays the elemental, Earth-like colours of green, olive, dark yellow and black. This stone is representative of safety, strength and self-empowerment. It is intended to dissolve negative feelings of isolation and can attract intimate encounters with others.

Grossular

Commonly green but occasionally brown, the Grossular gem variety is intended to evoke hope, empowerment and nurture from Mother Nature. It is also a stone of prosperity, gratitude and service to others that is generally associated with the Heart Chakra.

Pyrope

A Pyrope is one of the most well-known types of garnets and is often described as ‘living fire’. Its colour ranges from rosy red to deep crimson, and is a stone of inspiration, vitality and charisma. It is often free of flaws and has an exquisite transparency.

Spessartine

Termed ‘the garnet of the sun’, a Spessartine’s shade ranges from yellow to an orange-ish red. This type of garnet is one of the rarer varieties and is reflective of creative energies.

Tsavorite

The Tsavorite is a fairly new garnet variety and is a powerful green colour. First discovered in the 1970s, this variety is believed to increase wealth and bestow affluence when worn.

What Pieces Do Garnets Go Best With?

As far as jewellery goes, garnets are excellent for toned down, minimalist styles. Stud or delicate, dangle earrings are therefore great to hold the garnet gemstone. In the same vein, garnet pendants or light bracelets are a great way to add a subtle touch of colour.

There are some varieties of garnet, however, that suit statement jewellery pieces more. For example, a garnet cocktail or statement ring is a great statement piece, as is a garnet necklace.

Garnet engagement rings are also popular, but the stone is quite fragile and can be easily damaged or scratched. If you aren’t deterred by this, garnet engagement rings are most commonly paired with silver-coloured metals, but also looks striking with gold.

It’s important to remember to clean your garnet jewellery frequently with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse the stone well after washing it, and never steam clean the piece to keep it protected for longer.

Whether it’s a garnet necklace, pendant, earring, bracelet or engagement ring, look no further than the expert team at Perth’s Allgem Jewellers. Conveniently located in Hay Street Mall in the CBD, Allgem’s wide range of gemstone jewellery pieces, including a range of garnet-specific items, is sure to suit all design preferences. Contact our professional master jewellers or visit our showroom to take a look at our wide range of luxurious gemstone jewellery.