Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. Its colour comes from sulfur and manganese and natural radiation. The shade of purple can vary from a pale violet to a very rich, dark purple; this darker shade is the more popular shade of amethyst.
These two pendants show the different shades of amethyst. The lighter amethyst on the left has a spectacular cut that makes this pendant slightly more expensive than the darker amethyst on the right. Both are set in sterling silver. The pendant on the left is $91.25 and the one on the right is $75.
Amethyst has been said to have many different powers such as protecting against seduction, protecting crops from locusts, bringing good luck in war and hunting, driving out evil spirits and increasing the intellect. The most common power amethyst is said to have is to prevent intoxication. Afterall, its name comes from the Greek "amethystos", meaning "not drunk".
We can't guarantee that you won't feel the effects of a fun night out while wearing these sterling silver and amethyst earrings ($60), but you will look great!
Amethyst is a relatively hard and tough stone while still being inexpensive. It does have one special quirk in that it can change colour in a couple of different ways. The main way amethyst changes colour is if it is heated. So, any jewellery needing repair or sizing has to have the amethyst unset first so that the colour will stay intact. If amethyst is left in direct sunlight for a very long time, it can also fade, but this is a much less common problem and doesn't happen to every amethyst gem.
Another great example of the different shades of amethyst, the ring on the left is a size 6.5 and is $56.25. The ring on the right is a size 7 and is $93.75.
You can also get a stone called Ametrine, which is a naturally occuring mix of the purple amethyst and the yellow citrine.
We don't have any set ametrines in stock but we do have a few loose ametrine gemstones, including the one above, that you can set in whatever you'd like.
Amethyst is found in many different places around the world, even Canada has a commercial amethyst mine in Thunder Bay. The finest amethyst gems are found in South America.
These sterling silver viking knit and amethyst briolette earrings were hand-made here at Westdale Jewellers. They have a matching sterling silver viking knit necklace. The earrings are $80.
We also have a large selection of gold and amethyst jewellery and tons of unset amethyst gemstones to create the perfect custom piece with. So come and take a look at all our pretty amethyst jewellery and gemstones for those February babies or that special someone!
