When it comes to February birthstones, amethyst stands out for its unmistakable colour and rich history. Known for its purple tones and long-standing symbolism, amethyst has been cherished for centuries across cultures and continues to be a favourite in fine jewellery today. Elegant yet approachable, it is a gemstone that carries both beauty and meaning.
History, Meaning and Symbolism
Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with calmness, balance and protection. The name comes from the ancient Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated,” reflecting the belief that the stone could protect the wearer from excess and encourage clarity of mind.
Medieval European royalty viewed it as a symbol of power and wisdom - and once considered amethysts to be as valuable as rubies and sapphires. The February birthstone’s enduring appeal lies in the combination of striking colour, durability and symbolism - making it a meaningful choice for birthday jewellery and personal milestones.
The Science Behind Amethyst
Amethyst belongs to the quartz family, a gemstone group known for its wide range of natural colours. Small changes during formation, including temperature, trace elements and natural radiation, can dramatically alter the appearance of quartz crystals.
Purple Amethyst
Classic amethyst appears in shades ranging from soft lavender to intense royal purple. This colour is caused by trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure, combined with exposure to natural radiation over time. Stones with deeper saturation are often the most prized, although lighter tones are equally admired for their subtle elegance.
Featured: The Paradise in Harmony ring set with a 7.90-carat sugarloaf-cut Amethyst in 18k Original Gold, from the PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN High Jewellery Collection.
Citrine and Its Connection to Amethyst
Citrine is closely related to amethyst and shares the same quartz composition. In nature, citrine can form when amethyst crystals are exposed to higher temperatures, which change the iron impurities and transform the purple colour into warm yellow or golden hues. This natural relationship explains why amethyst and citrine are often referred to as sister stones. In the rare occurrence that a stone is both purple and orange, it is referred to as an “ametrine.”
Featured: The Heavenly Purity necklace set with a Citrine (second from left), a Green Amethyst (third from right), a Purple Amethyst (first from right), and a Pink Purple Amethyst (third from left), in 18k White Gold. From the PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN High Jewellery collection.
Green Amethyst
Green amethyst, also known as prasiolite, is another quartz variety linked to amethyst. Its gentle green colour is typically achieved through heat treatment of specific amethyst crystals. Naturally occurring green amethyst is extremely rare, but the treated version has become popular in jewellery for its soft, refined appearance.
Together, amethyst, citrine and green amethyst highlight how a single mineral family can produce a remarkable range of colours, each with its own character and appeal.
Durability and Wearability
With a Mohs hardness of 7, amethyst is suitable for everyday jewellery. It holds up well in rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets when cared for properly. To maintain its colour and brilliance, amethyst should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong heat or direct sunlight and cleaned gently with mild soap and water.
Amethyst in Modern Gemstone Jewellery
Today, amethyst remains a versatile gemstone in contemporary gemstone jewellery design. Its purple tones pair beautifully with all colours of gold, offering flexibility across classic and modern styles. Amethyst can be worn as a statement stone or combined with diamonds and other gemstones for added dimension.
Featured: The Feathers of Joy Dangling Earrings with detachable pear-shape cabochon Amethyst, from the BIRDS IN POETRY ready to wear fine jewellery collection.
Featured: The EDGY single gem ring with custom-cut Amethyst and diamonds in 18k Rose Gold, from the EDGY fine jewellery collection. Customisable to your choice of gemstone and gold colour.
Its beauty and accessibility make it an excellent choice for those seeking colour without compromise.
A Timeless February Birthstone
Amethyst continues to captivate with its colour, history and symbolism. Whether chosen as a birthstone, a thoughtful gift or a personal indulgence, it is a gemstone that feels both timeless and contemporary. For those born in February, amethyst offers a meaningful connection to beauty, balance and individuality.
Explore Simone Jewels’ amethyst designs to discover pieces that celebrate this iconic gemstone in all its depth and colour.
