Amethyst Engagement Rings: A Buyers Guide

Nov 30, 2023

An amethyst engagement ring features the purple quartz variety, Amethyst, which serves as the attractive centerstone on the ring. Its characteristic violet hue is well loved by many, and chosen as an alternative option to the traditional diamond engagement ring. There are many things to consider before making an amethyst engagement ring purchase, such as the gem’s clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. That, among other things, is what we will be taking a look at in this article will help you make an informed decision when buying an amethyst engagement ring.

Overview & History of Amethyst

Amethyst is the purple quartz birthstone of February. It has deep purple hues caused by the presence of iron and manganese in the quartz crystal. Ranking 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Amethyst is durable enough for daily wear but still scratches easier than diamonds, which means they need extra care.

Meaning of Amethyst

In many cultures of the world, Amethyst represents peace of mind, clarity, and spirit. They have been used to heal wounds and soothe dreams as well. It has a deep connection with the divine, being especially significant in Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism. Amethyst was once categorized as one of the 5 most precious gemstones, which includes diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires but not anymore.

Amethyst is known for its association with royalty and nobility and has been worn by Princess Diana and Kate Middleton. In fact, the Windsor vaults hold a large number of amethyst gemstones. These gems are the oldest gems in possession of the royal family. Camillo Leonardi, the 16th-century Italian astronomer, St. Valentine, and Anglican Bishops from time past used to wear Amethyst.

Price and Value

Amethysts were once considered rare and expensive as a result. When large amethyst deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 70s, the price fell drastically as the market was flooded with the gem. They are still highly prized even though they are not cardinal gems anymore. The most valued amethysts are found in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka and Siberia.

Is amethyst good for a ring?

On the Mohs scale of hardness, amethyst rates a 7, which means it can withstand normal wear, but it may be prone to scratching over time.Ultimately, whether amethyst is a good choice for a ring depends on your individual preferences and how you plan to wear and care for the ring. If you love the look of amethyst and are aware of its characteristics, it can make a stunning and unique choice for a ring.

What is the Cost of Amethysts?

Amethyst costs on average, $20 to $50 per carat, but this is dependent on the quality of the gem. Unlike other colored precious stones, an increase in the carat weight doesn’t directly impact the price of amethyst. This is why couples looking for a quality gemstone at a lower price point will find an amethyst engagement ring an excellent option.

The most important determinant of quality for amethysts is color more than carat size. The deepest purple amethyst has the highest quality with minimal color zoning. These amethysts are the most recent and valuable there is. However, when assessing an amethyst's value, knowing that the primary consideration is color, therefore, ensure it has not been enhanced. This can be done by carrying out an independent inspection.

Best Settings

Amethyst works well with almost any color setting, so the options are endless. To accentuate the violet and red tones of the stone, pair amethyst with yellow gold. For warm blue undertones, set it in white gold or platinum and when paired with rose gold, which it frequently is, the blush of rose gold laid against the subtle violent tones of amethyst makes a beautiful, feminine combination. When paired with a halo of diamonds or diamond side stones, they are truly stunning.

Tips for Buying Amethyst Engagement Rings:

Quality

The most important factor that determines an amethyst's quality and desirability is its strong reddish-purple color and no visible zoning. Amethysts too dark may reduce the gem’s beauty and even look almost black under dim light. The deep Siberian amethysts are the ideal grade amethysts, while amethysts with rich purple colors are considered more valuable.

To determine if amethyst is real, it should be eye-clean, however, color variation is also normal. If you inspect and see bubbles, that is a sign of synthetic amethyst. Another factor that indicates a real amethyst is that it is cool to the touch, and should not be affected by ambient temperatures.

Caring for Amethyst

Since amethyst fades under prolonged exposure to light and heat, it is best to store your jewelry in a place where sunlight or heat cannot reach. Also, amethyst is relatively strong but not as strong as diamond, so you must be extra careful to prevent any scratches or damage to it when working with your hands. It is best to remove your ring first before such activity, whether it is working in the garden, kitchen, or playing sports.

Cleaning an amethyst engagement ring is pretty easy. Simply make a solution of warm water and mild dish soap and clean using a soft, microfiber-tight cloth.

Conclusion

Does your fiancee like to dare and be unconventional, then a colored engagement ring that is a deviation from the norm of diamond rings could suit her. An amethyst engagement ring not only has the purple color of royalty, which signifies her estimable value, but does not require breaking the bank to get one. In the end, choosing an engagement ring is a personal choice and comes down to personal preference.