Article: February's Birthstone: Amethyst
February's Birthstone: Amethyst
If you are a February baby, Amethyst is your birthstone. It is a variety of quartz, loved for its rich purple hues and its quietly confident elegance. Whether you are choosing a birthday gift, a personal talisman, or a gemstone that simply makes you feel like your best self, amethyst is a classic choice because it offers beauty, durability for everyday wear, and a colour that flatters almost every skin tone.
What Does Amethyst Symbolise?
Amethyst has long been associated with calm, clarity, and protection. Many people choose it as a stone of balance, linked to peace of mind and steady confidence.
Even if you are not drawn to gemstone symbolism, amethyst still carries a feeling. It reads as thoughtful, meaningful and personal, which is exactly what you want from a February gift.
What Colour is Amethyst, and Which Shade is Best?
Amethyst can appear in:
- Soft lavender
- Rose lilac
- Rich grape purple
- Deep violet with flashes of red or blue
The most sought after shades are typically a vibrant purple with good saturation and a clean, lively look. That said, the best shade is the one you love on your skin. Some people look incredible in deep regal tones, while others glow in lighter lilacs that feel airy and modern.
Is Amethyst Durable Enough for Everyday Jewellery?
Yes, in most settings. Amethyst is quartz and sits at around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it suitable for daily wear, especially in earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
Example: Amethyst Tennis Bracelet
For rings, it is absolutely wearable, but I recommend a protective setting if you are very hands on. A bezel or a halo can help guard the stone’s edges and keep it looking pristine.
Sunlight and Colour Care
Amethyst can fade if it is exposed to strong sunlight for long periods. If you love wearing amethyst often, simply store it away from direct sunlight when you are not wearing it and avoid leaving it on a windowsill.
This is one of those small care habits that keeps your gemstone looking vivid for years.
How Do You Choose a Good Quality Amethyst?
When you are buying amethyst jewellery, focus on four things:
- Colour - Look for a shade that feels rich and even, without looking dull
- Clarity - Most fine amethyst should look clean to the eye
- Cut - A well cut stone will look bright and lively, not flat
- Setting - A quality setting should feel smooth, secure and finished beautifully
A good amethyst should feel like it is glowing from within.
Cleaning and Care
Keep it simple:
- Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush
- Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth
- Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners
- Remove rings for heavy lifting, gym work, cleaning and gardening
- Store separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones
- Do not store in direct sunlight
This keeps the colour vibrant and the surface free from unnecessary wear.
What Jewellery Styles Look Best With Amethyst?
Amethyst is incredibly adaptable. Here are the styles we love:
Amethyst Earrings
Perfect for everyday colour and effortless elegance, especially in studs or drops
Amethyst Pendant Necklaces
A beautiful way to wear a larger stone, with less risk of knocks than a ring
Amethyst Rings
Striking and personal, especially with a protective setting for long term wear
Amethyst and Diamond Jewellery
Diamonds lift amethyst beautifully, adding sparkle and contrast that makes the purple feel even richer.
If you want a truly timeless look, amethyst set in white metal feels crisp and modern, while yellow gold can make the purple look warmer and more regal.
A Thoughtful Gift, even Beyond February Birthdays
While Amethyst jewellery is a great gift for a February birthday, it is also a thoughtful gift for:
- Birthdays and milestones
- Anniversaries
- New beginnings
- A meaningful self-purchase
It feels personal, it photographs beautifully, and it has that rare quality of looking special without being overstated.
Final Thoughts on Amethyst
Amethyst is proof that luxury can be expressive and wearable. It offers colour, meaning, and everyday elegance in one gemstone, and it suits both classic and contemporary jewellery designs.
If you would like help choosing an amethyst piece, tell me who it is for, your preferred metal, and whether this is an everyday staple or a special occasion statement. I will guide you to a style that feels perfectly chosen.
Rhona, The Diamond Expert
