February's Birthstone: Amethyst

February’s birthstone is one of the most affordable, widely found gemstones in the world because it is primarily quartz. Amethysts vary extensively in their hues of purple, ranging from a light mauve to a very deep violet, Amethysts are heat sensitive and their colors can actually change slightly over time.

While the Amethyst’s value has decreased over time due to its abundance, it was once a sign of royalty and used by many civilizations as early as the Neolithic period. The ancient Greeks created the most abundant use for Amethyst, and it was said to ward off intoxication. The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning, “not drunk.” People used to drink from goblets encrusted with these gems believing that it would help them keep a serious and sober mind.

Whether you like smaller stones or the 36 carat jewel below, we have an abundance of beautifully-colored Amethysts in our collection of loose gemstones.