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Wooldridge Jewelers

687 E Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
502.223.6967

Wooldridge Jewelers

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Into the world of jewelry

Amethyst in February

February 1, 2025 Glenn Wooldridge

Amethyst is in the quartz family of minerals, and is considered to be the most precious of the quartz crystals.  Its violet-purple color has captivated people for thousands of years. Amethyst’s “royal” color has been adorned by men and women, kings and commoners; amethyst has been a symbol of power and sobriety going back to ancient times.  Also called “the stone of bishops,” it was often worn to protect against intoxication (from the Greek word “amethystos” = not drunken), and thus many amethyst wine goblets were created in antiquity.  

 

Amethyst is the official birthstone for the month of February, and the zodiacal sign of Pisces.  Amethyst is purple due to iron and aluminum contained in the mineral, and it would be clear quartz without these “impurities.”  Amethyst can also be heat-treated to make citrine (see our November Blog), bi-color citrine / amethyst (ametrine) , and green amethyst.      

Amethyst is mined all over the world, and ranges in color from light to dark-violet / purple.  The most expensive specimens are typically a dark intense purple.  When selecting amethyst stones or jewelry, you should select stones that are transparent and free from inclusions.  Amethyst is a durable stone, rating 7 on the Mohs scale, and it is cut into a wide variety of shapes and sizes.  Due to a plentiful supply, amethyst should be relatively inexpensive when compared to other stones of similar cut and weight like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds.  

 

Amethyst Quartz

Amethyst Quartz

Here are the predominate types of amethyst: 

  • African Amethyst-   Usually darker and deeply colored

  • Amethyst Quartz-  A mixture of amethyst and milky to clear quartz, usually purple at the tips of the crystal, then blending to white or clear at the base

  • Brazilian Amethyst-  Refers to any amethyst from South America

  • Green Amethyst-   Heat-treated amethyst

  • Siberian Amethyst-  Deeply colored amethyst from Siberia

Although amethyst is found in the United States, it is rarely found as “jewelry-grade.” 

 

Amethyst, like every other gemstone, is purported to have healing properties, and is said to help certain ailments.  Though this is likely due to the old placebo effect, we’re going to list them nonetheless because you never know…amethyst may assist in relief from headaches, backaches, pancreatic disorders, and alcoholism. 

A pair of our amethyst earrings: 14K white gold, post back, on sale for $149.00

A pair of our amethyst earrings

Another nice pair of amethyst earrings we have: 14K yellow gold, classic lever-back, on sale for $129.00

Another nice pair of amethyst earrings

Three-stone amethyst ring in 10K yellow gold with decorative filigree, on sale for $150.00

Three-stone amethyst ring

Unique amethyst cone ring with diamond accents, 14K yellow gold, on sale for $799.95, free sizing available

Unique amethyst cone ring with diamond accents

Classic amethyst bracelet, 14K yellow gold, 7" length, 4mm width, on sale for $449.95

Classic amethyst bracelet

Due to its durability and hardness, amethyst cleans up easily.  Just use a mild soap with a soft-bristled toothbrush or soft cloth and warm water.  Rinse and dry, and remember to store your amethyst in a fabric lined jewelry box, or wrap in a soft cloth to keep scratches at bay.  Please remember to remove any jewelry when using cleaning chemicals, especially bleach!

The Duchess of Windsor's Cartier bib-style necklace features 29 step-cut amethysts, a large heart-shaped amethyst in the front, turquoise cabochons, and brilliant cut diamonds, all set in gold suspended from a very strong gold rope-like chain.  After the Duchess’ death in 1986, the necklace sold at a Sotheby’s Geneva auction in 1987 for $605,000.

Tags february, amethyst, birthstone, valentines, valentine's
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Terms of Service and Return Policies

Please note that our website IS NOT set up for online purchasing. If you see a piece you like, please call to have us hold it until you can come in to view it for yourself. We are happy to process out-of-state sales, just call for details.

Because our items are often unique and one-of-a-kind works of art, the availability of any individual piece may be limited. Though we make every effort to update our inventory daily, it is recommended that you call us to verify the availability of the item you're interested in (502)223-6967. 

Customers may return the item with the receipt at anytime for store credit only.  No cash refunds will be given, no exceptions.  If the customer is unable to produce a receipt for the item, the amount of store credit will be determined by the owner.  We do not accept returns of items that have been misused or damaged.

All sales are final.  No cash refunds on returns or layaway; if the layaway item is not paid in full (including tax) within three (3) months, the item(s) are returned to our inventory and no refund or store credit is given. Additionally, if you decide to cancel your layaway, no refund or store credit will be issued, and the item will be returned to our inventory.

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