How to Pick an Amethyst Birthstone

Amethyst is the gem of ancient kings and clergy, for its violet hues complemented their purple robes and vestments. While only wealthy people could afford the costly dyed cloth, their overabundance of the good things in life encouraged overindulgence in spirits. Fortunately, amethysts were believed to ward off intoxication. Today, abundant amethysts come in all shapes and sizes at an affordable price. Discover the secret powers of this royal birthstone.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Reputable dealer

Pick the Right Amethyst for Your Purpose

1. Visit a reputable jeweler to find amethyst birthstone jewelry in a wide range of prices. A jeweler will display the gem's color and cut, which can encompass every hue of violet and every imaginable shape and size.
2. Join a local rock and gem club to learn more about birthstones and to find out about collector's shows, which are good shopping venues.
3. Pick an amethyst birthstone as a birthday gift for yourself or a friend with a February birthday. Amethyst was first associated with the astrological sign Pisces before monthly designations came into play in the twentieth century.
4. Select amethyst jewelry for a sixth wedding anniversary. Affordable amethyst can be set with more valuable gems for a worthy keepsake ring, bracelet or necklace.
5. Choose uncut amethyst crystals for their healing properties. Amethyst was once associated with Bacchus, the god of wine, and is still believed to promote sobriety. Buy one for your favorite bartender!
6. Learn more about your amethyst birthstone jewelry and how to care for it at the International Colored Gemstone Association website (see Resources below). The organization can also help you locate a dealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick any gemstone as you would a diamond, for color, clarity and cut.
• Birthstone gems are cut from a bottom point upward and outward, to reflect light. The bottom point is called the culet.
• Amethysts belong to the quartz family.
• Amethyst crystals are considered minerals, not gems, because although they may be polished or treated, they remain uncut.
• Avoid poorly cut stones with a "window." If you can see through your birthstone from top to culet, this window severely reduces its brilliance.
• Amethysts are neither rare nor fragile and should command a far lower price than other precious stones, such as rubies or diamonds. If your jeweler is charging top dollar for amethyst and cannot explain the store's pricing system, look elsewhere.