Few gemstones can rival the allure of amethyst: a purple jewel that has captivated emperors, artists and romantics for thousands of years. As well as being the official birthstone for those born in February, amethyst is also the traditional gift to mark a sixth wedding anniversary. From ancient crowns to contemporary jewellery, its regal appeal continues to transcend time and trends. Read on as we uncover the history and meaning behind February’s birthstone.
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WHAT IS AMETHYST?
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, prized for its colour range from soft lilac to rich, velvety violet. Its name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “a remedy against drunkenness,” a belief held by ancient civilizations who thought the stone promoted clarity and balance.
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable enough for everyday wear, making it as practical as it is beautiful.
Historically, Russia was the world’s primary source of fine amethyst until the 19th century, when large deposits were discovered in Brazil. Once considered as rare and valuable as ruby or emerald, amethyst suddenly became more widely available. Today, the most important sources are found across Africa and South America.
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HISTORY & SYMBOLISM
The gemstone’s wine-like hue tied it closely to Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, and legends claimed it could keep the wearer clear-headed and sharp-witted in both battle and business. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed amethyst could calm overwhelming passion and encourage emotional balance.
Amethyst has long been favoured by royalty. Catherine the Great of Russia famously adorned herself with amethyst jewels, while Wallis, Duchess of Windsor made a striking impression wearing a lavish Cartier amethyst bib necklace to a gala at Versailles in 1953. Its royal reputation stretches back even further, admired by leaders as early as Alexander the Great.
For those celebrating a February birthday, amethyst has come to symbolise empowerment, inner strength and confidence.
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WHY WE LOVE AMETHYST
We’re drawn to amethyst for its extraordinary range of colour: from delicate lavender tones to deep, regal purples. It features throughout our antique and vintage collection in brooches and rings, as well as in contemporary designs such as our Calypso pendants, where each amethyst is hand-selected and paired with pearls to complement one another beautifully.
“People are drawn to amethyst for its vibrant, regal colour.” - Isabelle, Gerard McCabe Antiques Expert.
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A gemstone long associated with clarity, strength and regal beauty, amethyst continues to inspire jewellers and collectors alike. Whether worn as a celebration of a February birthday, a sixth wedding anniversary or simply a love of exceptional gemstones, amethyst is said to grant it's wearer a sense of clarity, strength and regal beauty.
Explore amethyst jewellery from both our contemporary and antique & vintage collections in-store at our Adelaide Arcade and Rundle Mall Plaza boutiques, or online today.
