Amethyst has recently featured prominently in the collections of the world’s jewellery houses. We have decided to find out why this fascinating gemstone is captivating the world.
Associated with love and power, it gets its name from the ancient Greek word methustos, which translates as ‘intoxication’. Available in a spectrum of colours from pale green to, most often, bright purple, amethyst makes a magnificent addition to any jewellery box.
Originally called the royal stone because of its majestic colour, amethyst has a place of honour in royal collections all over the world, from Egypt to the UK, and the Duchess of Cornwall was often spotted wearing an amethyst and pearl necklace that was given to the Queen Mother for her wedding.
Now this impressive stone is once again being used in high-end jewellery: jewellery designers value it for its size, vivid colour and the ability to be cut into large geometric shapes to create bold, daring designs. Moreover, amethyst, or purple quartz, is a relatively hard stone and ranks a respectable 7th on the Mohs scale, after diamond at 10th, sapphire and ruby at 9th and topaz at 8th.
However, all you really need to know is how beautiful it looks in the collections of your favourite jewellery houses. From Tiffany & Co.’s stunning brooches and textured ring by Nina Runsdorf to Aquae Jewels’ eye-catching pair of amethyst earrings and Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, everyone can choose an amethyst jewellery piece to suit their taste.
