6 Things You Should Know About Amethyst Jewelry
6 Things You Should Know About Amethyst Jewelry
If you like the color purple and adore the look of lilac, you will love amethyst, the birthstone of those born in the month of February. The root word for amethyst is amethystos, meaning 'not drunken' in Greek. Its wine color is related to the myth of the wine god Dionysus. Amethyst is a durable stone that looks perfect as part of your jewelry collection. If you're buying it, here are some things you should know about this beautiful gemstone:
Its sources vary. Amethyst is quite common, although the biggest producers of this stone are South America, particularly Uruguay and Brazil. It is also found in other countries such as Russia, the United States, India, Zambia, Canada, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.
There are different colors. You also have a choice about color, since amethyst can appear as purple, mauve or lilac. Good quality and genuine amethyst should also have a hardness level of 7.
Quality = value If you want amethyst jewelry of the highest value and quality, go for the most transparent stone which also exhibits a deep and rich color. A deep, dark and transparent purple, for example, will be an excellent quality amethyst. The clearer the gemstone, the better it can transmit light.
There are also synthetic amethyst jewelry, so you will have to ask your jeweler. Check the stone for any chips, inclusions and scratches because these flaws reduce the value of the jewelry. If you're buying in pairs, make sure the gemstones are matched.
It can be treated. Ask your jeweler how to treat your gemstone. Stones usually undergo certain treatments such as irradiation, dyeing and heating so they look better. For amethyst, the usual treatment is heating. Heat enhances the color of the stone, so you get a deeper, prettier light purple color. Some jewelers may even heat amethyst to produce another gemstone called citrine.
It can change. An amethyst isn't as strong as a diamond, so it needs some special care. Avoid scratching or hitting it with something heavy and hard. It's also important that you don't expose it to bright sunlight for long periods because strong light can affect its color. This means you will have to keep your amethyst jewelry someplace safe if you're headed for the beach.
It is easy to care for. Amethyst jewelry are relatively easy to clean; simply use a commercial cleaner formulated for jewelry or mix some mild soap with warm water. If the jewelry is too dirty, simply soak it in the soapy solution to soften the dirt and then gently scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse dry and store with your other jewelry.