February’s birthstone is the beautiful amethyst crystal! While the month of February can often be cold and dreary, amethyst brings so much life and vibrancy to the month!
This particular jewel stands out among the rest with its deep purple color. It is rich with history and makes for some of the most stunning pieces of jewelry. If you know someone celebrating a birthday this month or you just want to add a unique piece to your collection, here are a few reasons to consider February’s birthstone: the amethyst!
Amethyst History and Origin
Gorgeous amethyst birthstones have been treasured since the time of the ancient Greeks. The color purple has always represented a royal status, but the Greeks associated amethysts grape-like color with the wine god, Bacchus. They believed that wearing the amethyst meant they would be protected from “drunkenness,” while other legends have said it provides wisdom and clarity of mind.
Among the British royal family, amethysts have adorned the fingers and crowns of many Kings and Queens for centuries. Today they are still a popular choice of jewelry among royals for their symbolism of wealth and status. It was popular back then but in today’s day and age, amethysts are worn by anyone for any occasion!
Colors and Characteristics of February’s Birthstone
Amethyst comes in a beautiful array of different hues of purple. From pale lavender to vibrant plum, the color of amethysts is second to none and makes them a unique option for jewelry. They may also display undertones in red or even blue. Wear this birthstone and you will be looking like royalty wherever you go!
As far as makeup goes, the amethyst is one tough crystal. On the Mohs scale, amethyst rates a 7, meaning it is fairly tough and is well suited for any form of jewelry. However, being composed of quartz, it is important to maintain proper care to avoid damage or scratching.
Caring for Amethyst Birthstones
Once you invest in a stunning piece of amethyst jewelry, you’ll want to make sure its beauty never fades. Caring for these purple stones, however, is a relatively easy process.
You can’t go wrong with the simple combination of warm water and soap to keep your jewelry sparkling. Cleaning with ultrasonic cleaning solutions is another safe option. However, you want to make sure you avoid any acidity, heat, or other extreme temperatures so to not damage the crystal by accident. Whichever way you decide to care for these jewelry pieces, proper maintenance will ensure a lifetime of wear out of your amethysts.
Are you ready to purchase your own amethyst jewelry for you or someone you love? During the month of February, come visit our store to see our selection of amethysts!