What does AMETHYST JEWELRY symbolize?
Our ancient ancestors were rather “creative” with the attributes ascribed to amethyst, including being a blemish remover - just add moisture! Crystal healers believe amethyst is infused with special properties to manifest clarity, calm, balance, and wisdom. Get the skinny and shop a curation of jewelry, thoughtfully designed by women…
A special thank you to Wild & Petsch who shared this 45.36 carat natural gemstone with me for the purpose of education.
WHAT IS AMETHYST?
This luscious purple gemstone was once revered as a luxurious rival of ruby and emerald. In the 19th century, it suddenly became less so when generous deposits of amethyst were discovered in Brazil. Yet it remains unquestionably beautiful!
Ancient Greeks believed wearing amethyst or drinking out of an amethyst cup would prevent intoxication. Amethystos means “not drunk” in Ancient Greek. A few myths cooked up during the Renaissance involved a maiden called Amethyst who was turned into a clear stone by the goddess Diana to escape the dubious intentions of Bacchus, who then spilled wine on this pure stone - turning it purple. Ancient Egyptians wore amethyst amulets to protect against harm and it was also viewed as an antidote to the effects of wine.
We’ve outlined points to help you understand value and what to ask to make an informed decision on a piece of jewelry you will LOVE!
LOOKING FOR AMETHYST JEWELRY OR A GIFT THAT WILL BE LOVED AND WORN?
Our shop has hand-picked amethyst jewelry from exquisite designers that will amplify your personal style. If you are seeking memorable jewelry, The Brilliant Concierge is a fluid experience offering peace of mind knowing your gift was meant for her... or you!
Learn about a “quest” for a birthday necklace that tells a story.
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DESIGNER AMETHYST JEWELRY
What to know about amethyst - and discerning jewelry designed by WOMEN!
That time when iron met quartz… amethyst happened!
While the most prized gems exhibit an intense reddish purple (known as “raspberry”), colors can range from pale lilac to cool bluish purple to dark purple hues. Amethysts can be translucent to transparent and commonly exhibit “zoning”, which is angular stripes of dark and light color. Qualities like zoning, inclusions, brownish bronze tints, or colors that are too dark may not be what the “market” dictates as the most valuable, but they can be uniquely beautiful for these characteristics!
This fine jewelry concierge includes curating:
statement to engagement rings
chandelier to stud earrings
sautoir to layering necklaces
cuffs to bangle bracelets
responsibly sourced gemstones
Learn more about this personalized service.
Where is amethyst found?
It is quite common and found on every continent. Since the 19th century, the largest supply is from Brazil, followed by Zambia. It is mined throughout South America, Africa, North America, Russia, and beyond.
ZAMBIA - desirable saturated purple, sometimes with blue or red flashes
BRAZIL - the world’s largest producer of pale lilac to mid-purple tones
RUSSIA - desirable deep purple hues
The origin of gemstones: TRACEABILITY
The breathtaking gems you see here are courtesy of Nomad’s. Just as we know where our food comes from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry?
Below is an example of their proprietary Provenance Report, demonstrating their commitment to transparency, trust, and traceability. Beyond the descriptive details about each gemstone, the report discloses the history of the origin and a specific gemstone’s journey to the cutting wheel - literally mapping and disclosing the supply chain.
A sample report outlining details of a single Nomad’s gemstone, as well as the history of origin and traceability story.
What does ethically and sustainably sourced jewelry mean?
Women and men at the forefront of this global conversation will have slightly different perspectives, but there is a shared ethos: responsible sourcing.
This encompasses traceability, conflict-free, protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.
An ongoing initiative worth following is the Jewelry Glossary Project.
The purpose is to create shared definitions of key terms within the jewelry industry for use by the trade and the public. The project was launched to increase transparency throughout the supply chain, by building consensus on definitions for key terms and creating accountability for their usage.
What are the metaphysical properties of amethyst?
This gemstone attracts clarity, calm, spiritual wisdom, stress relief, and protection against negativity.
Just as our ancient ancestors believed gemstones were imbued with special properties, such as protection, wisdom, or courage, today we are empowered by the metaphysical properties of gemstones to manifest what we wish to create.
You may be interested in our guide to manifest your intentions with gemstones and jewelry!
Heat treatment of this gem can eliminate less desirable brownish inclusions or lighten the color of dark stones.
On the topic of treatment of any kind with any gemstone, knowledge is power because it always impacts value.
The MOHS SCALE:
How hard is AMETHYST?
the same as quartz because it is quartz
The Mohs scale of hardness is important to consider when choosing a particular stone for a particular kind of wear.
It is the degree of mineral “hardness”, measured by the resistance which a smooth surface offers to abrasion: 1 (soft) to 10 (hard). For example, an 8 will scratch a gemstone that is a 7 or below. Simply put, the softer the stone, the more careful you need to be about wearing that stone in jewelry that may be exposed to more wear.
Does amethyst scratch easily?
This is a question you’re most likely to ask when buying gemstones and jewelry. Knowing how hard it is (or any other stone) will help you to determine whether it is an everyday gemstone or an occasional piece.
Amethyst is quartz, which is 7 on the Mohs scale. “7” is noteworthy because common dust can contain minute particles of quartz. If present, any gemstone below 7 would be scratched when cleaning, so be sure to wash under warm water prior to wiping off dust!
How to care for amethyst jewelry
A few jewelry care basics can keep your pieces looking their best, avoid damage and loss of gemstones.
WEAR: When dressing for day or night, jewelry should be the last thing on and the first thing off. Contact with chemicals such as fragrance, hairspray, nail polish remover, household cleaners, and chlorine can harm jewelry.
Remove jewelry when cleaning, gardening, swimming, or playing sports, as contact with hard surfaces can scratch, damage, or loosen stones in prongs.
CHECK SETTINGS AND STONES: Inspect jewelry before wearing it to check if the stones are chipped, loose, or rattle in settings.
CLEANING: All precious metals, gemstones, and pearls should be cleaned regularly, but require different care. For example, ultrasonic cleaners can crack opals, shatter pearls or diminish their appearance. Avoid using steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
● For gemstones on the Mohs scale at 7 or above, a simple cleaning solution is warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. For those at 6 or below, replace the toothbrush with a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.
● A soft polishing cloth will keep any precious metal looking its best.
● Take any investment pieces to a trustworthy professional jeweler once a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
● See our full guide to How To Clean Fine Jewelry.
STORAGE: Keep jewelry individually stored in a pouch or box to avoid scratches and abrasions from other gemstones and metal, as well as general tangles and dents.
INSURANCE: For any jewelry of significant value, be sure to have it appraised, file any provenance and gemstone report in a secure place, and be sure to have it insured.