It’s not often that you spot someone wearing an amethyst engagement ring, which makes this stone the ideal option for unconventional brides. The deep violet hue stands out and can have a slightly vintage edge to it, depending on the style of the ring. While they may be far from traditional, amethyst engagement rings will still stand the test of time.
What is Amethyst?
Amethyst is an ancient semi-precious gemstone and a purple variety of quartz. There are many shades of amethyst, ranging from a dark violet color to a light, almost clear purple hue.
Pros and Cons of Amethysts
For many people, the most appealing thing about an amethyst engagement ring over a classic diamond is the bright color. “Yes, we all love diamonds,” says Mason Roberts, founder of Ringagement. “But at the same time, we also love to see something new and beautiful.” The price tag doesn’t hurt either. “The beauty of lure of amethyst is its budget-friendly price tag,” says Madeline Fraser, the founder and CEO of Gemist. “Large amethyst stones are relatively inexpensive.”
Meet the Expert
- Mason Roberts is the founder of Ringagement, an online platform providing guidance to anyone shopping for an engagement ring.
- Madeline Fraser is the founder and CEO of the try-before-you-buy jewelry site and appGemist.
The biggest disadvantage is the fact that amethyst isn’t as durable as diamonds. “It’s fairly hard—a 7 on the Mohs Scale, on which a diamond is a 10,” explains Roberts. “But that could be misleading. Mohs created his scale just by ordering common minerals from softest to hardest. Diamonds are literally 10 times harder than amethyst.” Stil, amethyst is strong enough for everyday wear. “It’s plenty hard and durable, and it has a beauty all its own,” says Roberts. “If you’re careful with amethyst, of course, it can last a lifetime. It just couldn’t take the possible punishment that a diamond could,” he adds.
What to Look for in an Amethyst Ring
- How can I tell if the ring is high quality? To find a quality stone, Fraser recommends holding it up to the light to see if it’s transparent. “When held up to the light, it should travel completely through the stone,” she says. “Amethysts of high quality should be completely clear and should not have inclusions.” Remember to check the surface to ensure there are no nicks or scratches.
- What stones pair best with amethyst? You should also know which shade you want since these stones can range from very light to very dark. “In general, people prefer dark purple natural amethyst gemstones,” says Roberts. “But it’s entirely up to what you like. You should also ask if they’ve enhanced the color, a common practice with gemstones, to make sure you don’t overpay.”
- What cuts pair best with amethyst rings? Pay attention to the cut as well. “They’ll never sparkle diamonds, and that’s definitely not the point of amethyst,” explains Roberts. “But they should be cut symmetrically, beautifully, evenly, and with proportions that you like.” Lastly, keep in mind that the metal it’s paired with may affect the shade of the stone.
- What metals pair best with amethyst rings? Fraser explains that certain metals will enhance colors. For example, white gold may display more bluish undertones, while a warm metal will magnify the richness of the deep purple.
How to Care for Your Amethyst Ring
Since amethyst isn’t as strong as a diamond, you might not be able to wear it during all of your everyday activities. Roberts warns that amethyst can fade after long exposure to bright light, so avoid leaving it in a sunny window. He also recommends taking your ring off before showering, as the heat can cause the color to fade over time. “Always protect from nicks and daily activity by removing them when in the gym, swimming, and when applying lotions or using cleaning products,” says Fraser. And, when storing and not wearing, keep your amethyst ring away from other gemstones as it can scratch easily.
In terms of cleaning your amethyst ring, Roberts recommends lukewarm water and some soap. “I never recommend using ultrasonic cleaners on any jewelry, even diamonds, since even diamonds can chip if they vibrate against each other,” he adds.
History of Amethyst Gemstones
The deep purple color of amethyst reminded the Ancient Greeks of wine, and so it was named “Amethystos,” the Greek word for “not intoxicated.” In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst could keep someone from getting drunk, and so they used it to make wine glasses, thinking it would prevent overindulgence. “Medieval soldiers also wore the stone into battle to protect themselves and aid them in staying focused,” explains Fraser.
Scroll through 22 stunning amethyst engagement rings ahead.
Pasquale Bruni Madame Eiffel Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Make an impact with this large cushion-cut amethyst stone that demands attention. Pavé diamonds sparkle on the sides of the square halo.
Effy Rose Gold Amethyst and Diamond Ring
This may not be advertised as an engagement ring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it as one. Surrounded by baguettes and round diamonds on either side, this large emerald cut, the amethyst stone is impossible to miss.
Tacori Horizon Shine Amethyst and Diamond Emerald Ring
Amethyst has a more delicate look to it when paired with white gold or sterling silver. This Tacori option features an emerald-cut amethyst sitting horizontally with pavé diamonds lining both ends.
Trumpet & Horn Edessa Ring
A deep purple amethyst ring is so gorgeous that it doesn’t actually need a lot of embellishment to make a statement. This ring is proof that a cocktail amethyst diamond sits beautifully on a delicate gold band.
Capucinne Reba Purple Amethyst Engagement Ring
This stunning deep purple amethyst engagement ring is a nice take on a classic design. A large round center amethyst sits in between clusters of small round diamonds, with a slim gold band for the perfect contrast.
Jewelry By Johan Amethyst Engagement Ring
When paired with something unexpected, like a meteorite band, amethyst looks even more unique. This one gets some extra sparkles from the diamond halo.
Blue Nile Cushion-Cut Amethyst Diamond Halo Ring
Amethyst takes the place of a diamond in this traditional style ring. The cushion-cut center stone sits in a pavé diamond halo with a delicate band.
Brilliant Earth Amethyst Fortuna Ring
Go for a more classic engagement ring style with this choice. A cushion-shaped amethyst sits in a diamond halo with a sparkling split shank band.
Stephen Dweck Faceted Amethyst Etched Bypass Ring
Deep purple amethyst stones are most popular, which is why it’s nice to go for a lighter one sometimes. This light option is a unique cut with a double band, engraved with simple designs for a feminine touch.
Blue Nile Round Rose de France Statement Ring
A truly unique style, this cushion-cut amethyst is surrounded on either side by two lighter rose de France stones. The yellow gold band is the perfect finishing touch.
Klenota Amethyst and Diamond Ring in White Gold
This deep purple amethyst stone contrasts nicely with a dazzling diamond halo and a white gold band. It’s a traditional design with some added color.
David Yurman Châtelaine Ring
A sparkling amethyst stone looks right at home on a silver double-spiral band. This is a slightly more bold and less delicate ring.
The Ultimate Guide to Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
Juliet & Oliver Nayla Amethyst Engagement Ring
Sometimes simplicity is best. This princess-cut amethyst stone sits on a white gold band dotted with small pavé diamonds.
Audra Amethyst Ring
A round center amethyst ring looks even more colorful in this diamond setting. The sparkling infinity shank makes one a little more interesting.
Origin Jewelry White Gold Amethyst and Sapphire Ring with Meteorite
Mixing amethyst with other gemstones is a way to add even more color to your ring. More petite sapphires surround this amethyst stone on this one, and the band features a dark meteorite.
Kay Jewelers Le Vian Grape Amethyst Ring
Just because you want a simplistic band doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice having an amethyst. This ring features grape-like stones on the band that acts as a focal point. The band is minimal and hides behind the stones.
Diamondere Claudine Ring
The Claudine ring is entirely customizable. You select the center stone, the accent stones, and the band. The amethyst sits on top of a band with intricate detailing—there are ribbons wrapped around the silhouette that gives the whole ring a romantic look.
Zales Oval Rose de France Amethyst
This oval-shaped amethyst isn't deep in color, but it does complement the rich 14k rose gold band, which has smaller diamonds at the front.
Angara Thin Shank Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring
The cushion-cut amethyst is held in place by a claw prong setting. Small diamonds line the band and the stone to add extra brilliance.The thinner band makes the amethyst the main focus, while remaining elegant.
Kobelli Pear Lavender Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Honestly, this lavender-shaded amethyst ring is stunning against white gold. The pear shape stone makes the ring unique and an instant conversation starter. Diamonds highlight the band and the amethyst, making the ring sparkle every time it catches the light.
Holy Land Jewelry Lavender Amethyst Ring
This cocktail ring shows off the amethyst that is surrounded by a cluster of smaller diamond-like groups. You get to choose the band—this customization allows you to match the metal to the shade of jewelry you wear the most. This ring is also great for layering and stacking if you plan to build a stack with your engagement ring.
FAQs
Is amethyst hard enough for an engagement ring? ›
Amethyst has a Mohs hardness score of 7, which means it's slightly harder to scratch than a steel nail. This hardness makes amethyst an excellent choice for an engagement ring and explains why so much vintage amethyst jewelry looks as good as the day it was made.
Are amethyst engagement rings good quality? ›Absolutely! In terms of durability, Amethyst ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. While not as strong as Diamonds, Amethyst stones are high-quality enough to include in your wedding ring design. This is why you'll find Amethyst often in fine jewelry settings.
Do amethyst rings last? ›Amethyst is a rich, Welch's grape purple that people adore for a unique engagement ring. Sadly, at a 7/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, Amethyst is the same hardness as dust. As a result, Amethyst will wear poorly over time, experiencing mini scratches until it is dull. That's not what you want for an engagement ring!
Can you wear amethyst ring everyday? ›Amethyst scores 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it is a relatively hard gemstone and can be worn every day.
What do amethyst engagement rings mean? ›Other qualities associated with amethyst include piety, humility, sincerity and wisdom, as well as spirituality. The stone represents faithful love and chastity, along with sincerity, calmness, patience and peace.
Which gemstones are too soft for everyday wear? ›Stones that can be worn everyday with little or no worry to you, the customer, are Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, and Topaz. The gemstones that need to be worn more carefully due to their hardness and wear ability are Pearls, Opals, Jades, Aquamarines, and Onyx.
Is amethyst stronger than diamond? ›“It's fairly hard—a 7 on the Mohs Scale, on which a diamond is a 10,” explains Roberts. “But that could be misleading. Mohs created his scale just by ordering common minerals from softest to hardest. Diamonds are literally 10 times harder than amethyst.” Stil, amethyst is strong enough for everyday wear.
How do you take care of an amethyst ring? ›Amethyst Care & Cleaning
Though rare amethyst may fade, avoid prolonged exposure to bright light. Amethyst jewelry is best cleaned with warm, sudsy water and a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth. Take all your fine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
A ranking of 7 on the Mohs scale means amethyst is a durable jewelry gem as long as proper precautions are followed to prevent scratching. A ranking of 7 on the Mohs scale means amethyst is a durable jewelry gem as long as proper precautions are followed to prevent scratching.
Is it OK to have a gemstone engagement ring? ›For this reason and others, people may choose to consider a gemstone for their engagement ring as an alternative to the classic choice of diamond. It's a great way to add something extra special to your piece, especially if the gemstone holds special meaning to the wearer.
What is a good size stone for an engagement ring? ›
Tip #1: Standard & Average Sizes
The 1.0 carat center stone used to be the most desired size chosen for engagement rings, however, more recently we are seeing this shift towards a slightly larger stone, with couples choosing diamonds averaging 1.25 to 1.50 carats.
Though an amethyst is no diamond, it is still a beautiful gem and looks great combined with colored or white diamonds. The amethyst is a type of quartz with a violet hue.
What finger does a woman wear amethyst ring on? ›According to Vedic astrology, the best finger to wear amethyst is the middle finger, also referred to as the finger of Saturn. The reason being that the mount of Saturn is located just below this finger.
How do I know amethyst is working? ›Authentic Amethyst gems should have some imperfections and different shades of purple. An Amethyst gem that is one solid color is most likely fake. Real Amethyst stones will have color zoning including shades of white and blue along with purple.
Who should wear amethyst ring? ›Amethyst stone is perfect for everybody; it provides peace and prosperity from outside problems around the world. A few of the safest ideas to manage with amethyst gems are to let it contact the body's skin while wearing jewelry.
What does a purple engagement ring mean? ›Purple has been known to symbolize wisdom, imagination, peace, pride, mystery and independence. No matter what the color means to you, we think this endearing shade looks remarkable when featured in engagement rings!
Are amethyst expensive? ›For a gem which was once regarded as precious as Sapphire, Amethyst is very affordable, even at the higher grades. Prices for high quality cut stones are typically in the range of $20 to $30 per carat, with particularly fine pieces around $40 per carat.
Does amethyst look better with gold or silver? ›Amethyst complements both warm and cool colors so it looks right set in both yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and silver. It looks good with everything in your closet too.
What is the weakest gemstone? ›The softest stones include talc (1), gypsum (2), calcite (3) and fluorite (4). The line between harder and softer gems is generally thought to be a Mohs rating of 7, where gems with a hardness of 7 or more are suitable for rings, while those below 7 are not.
What is the best crystal to wear daily? ›...
- Clear Quartz For Healing. ...
- Black Stones For Protection. ...
- Rose Quartz For Love & Healing. ...
- Pyrite For Abundance. ...
- Tourmaline To Guard Against Negative Energy.
What gem is the strongest? ›
Diamond is the hardest natural material in the world.
What does amethyst do spiritually? ›Amethyst is said to offer protection, humility, spiritual wisdom, and stress relief. Obsidian. Some people use obsidian to protect against emotional and physical negativity.
What are the benefits of amethyst? ›Over and above the physical properties and benefits of amethyst, the stone's purple colour is a natural tranquiliser. It is said to dispel rage, help manage fears and anger, and calm rage and anxiety. Other believed benefits of amethyst include the ability to alleviate sadness and grief and dissolving negativity.
How much is a 2 carat amethyst worth? ›Prices range between $20 and $30 per carat. Particularly pure pieces of the gemstone are priced at around $40 or $50 per carat.
What should you avoid with amethyst? ›Protect from Chemicals – Hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride and alkaline solutions, most of which are found in household cleaners can severely damage the amethyst. Even perfumes, hand sanitizers, and hairsprays must be kept away from this stone.
Can you shower with amethyst? ›Yes, amethyst can be worn in the shower. Important to keep in mind, however, is that the crystal should not be exposed to hard or exfoliating soap. Only gentle soap is recommended in terms of exposure in the shower or bath.
How do I make my amethyst ring shiny? ›Fill a bowl with one-quart warm water, and stir in a tablespoon mild dishwashing liquid to it. Then, submerge the amethyst and diamond ring in it. Let the gem soak in it for 15 minutes to let the mild soap dissolve the grime from its surface, and then gently scrub it with a soft and clean bristle toothbrush.
Is there fake amethyst? ›But since it's such a popular gemstone, synthetic amethyst has become quite common. In fact, the world of gemstones is rife with lab-created amethyst crystals. Fortunately, there are many ways to discern between natural and lab-created amethyst.
Why is my amethyst turning white? ›If you leave your amethyst in sunlight or under other UV sources for too long, its color will fade. And if you expose amethyst to heat, you'll see the color fade as well.
Why is amethyst so cheap? ›Till the 18th century, amethyst was considered a cardinal gemstone, and was lined up as precious and rare stones. But large reserves being discovered in many parts of the world depleted its value. Still, pure and high grade amethyst is not so common, thus the price depends on the quality and intensity of colour.
What stone is closest to a diamond? ›
Moissanites or white sapphires are most comparable to a diamond. While there are visible differences, these gems will look the closest to a diamond while offering a more affordable price. These stones are also high on the Mohs scale of relative hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear.
What gemstones are strong enough for engagement rings? ›- Sapphire Engagement Rings: 9.0 Mohs' Hardness. ...
- Topaz Engagement Rings: 8.0 Mohs' Hardness. ...
- Morganite Engagement Rings: 7.5 – 8 Mohs' Hardness. ...
- Amethyst Engagement Rings: 7.0 Mohs' Hardness.
Look | Hardness | |
---|---|---|
Lab Diamond | 100% Diamond! | 10/10 |
Moissanite | More Sparkly Than Diamond | 9.25/10 |
White Sapphire | All White Sparkle | 9/10 |
White Topaz | White & Gray Sparkle | 8/10 |
How Much Should an Engagement Ring Cost? A one carat engagement ring typically costs around $5,500, but most couples spend over $6,000—and 7 percent spend over $10,000.
How many carat is Kim Kardashian's ring? ›We all loved Kim Kardashian's custom designed, 20.5-carat, emerald cut diamond engagement ring, but now, as she's set to divorce her husband Kanye West, we can't help but wonder how much that show stopping ring is actually worth.
How many carats is too big? ›5-Carat Diamond
According to Landau, there's no such thing as too big a diamond—but she knows they're not for everyone. "It's so personal and it ultimately comes down to your lifestyle," she says. "To some, a 5-carat ring is so big it looks fake.
Buyers can select a ring with these precious purple stones, up to 3.05 carats, and a price ranging between $400-$4,000. These can contain one or multiple gemstones, and some styles come with diamonds.
What is the best amethyst color? ›The finest amethyst color is a strong reddish purple or purple with no visible color zoning. Dealers prefer strongly saturated reddish purple to dark purple, as long as the stone is not so dark that it reduces brightness. If the color is too dark, an amethyst might look black under dim lighting conditions.
Does amethyst sparkle? ›The quality of the cut can make a big difference in beauty and brilliance. Your amethyst should sparkle in a lively way, reflecting light back evenly across the entire gem.
How do I activate my amethyst ring? ›This ring should be worn on the middle finger of the right hand on a Saturday Evening during Krishna Paksha (descending moon). The ring/pendant can then be immediately taken out of the bowl and cleaned with water and worn on the middle finger of the right hand.
How many carats should amethyst be worn? ›
You can wear it in the Form of Jewelry
It is recommended to wear at least a 6-carat Amethyst ring.
- Placing them under the full moon. ...
- Soak them in moon water. ...
- Bury them in the ground. ...
- Give them a sound bath. ...
- Burn incense or herbs over them. ...
- Immerse them in salt. ...
- Use your breath to charge them. ...
- Connect them to your spirit guides.
In Greek mythology, amethyst was rock crystal dyed purple by the tears of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. Ancient Egyptians used the stone as the representative of the zodiac sign of the goat. The goat was considered the enemy of vines and vineyards, and therefore the antidote of wine.
How do you tell if a crystal is real or fake? ›Signs a Crystal Is Fake. The crystal feels suspiciously light when you hold it. Natural crystals contain metals and other inclusions from their formation in the earth that weigh them down, whereas fakes might be mostly glass. In some cases, a real crystal might weigh the same as a fake that's twice the size.
Where should amethyst be placed in the house? ›Try placing amethyst on your nightstand or under your bed to encourage deeper, more restorative rest. Amethyst can also help you to recall your dreams, so you may want to keep it near your bed with the intention of fostering a greater connection to your dream world.
Which zodiac signs can wear amethyst? ›Aquarius' birthstone: the Amethyst.
Can I wear amethyst with gold? ›Amethysts are a hard gemstone and hence safe for everyday wear. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you have gold rings, bangles, or necklaces studded with these purple gemstones. They are as follows: You may polish your amethyst jewellery from time to time to reduce any scratches that may occur.
Can I wear amethyst everyday? ›Amethyst scores 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it is a relatively hard gemstone and can be worn every day. However, care must be taken while wearing amethyst jewelry to prevent the gemstone's color from fading or its surface getting scratched.
Is amethyst as hard as diamond? ›The biggest disadvantage is the fact that amethyst isn't as durable as diamonds. “It's fairly hard—a 7 on the Mohs Scale, on which a diamond is a 10,” explains Roberts.
Does amethyst chip easily? ›Does it chip easily? Not exactly! With a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness and zero gemstone cleavage, the amethyst is a relatively durable gem. That said, the stone can chip or crack if not handled with care.
Is amethyst hard or soft? ›
Amethyst is a quartz, which ranks at a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Is it easy to scratch amethyst? ›Amethyst is a 7 meaning that it's a pretty hard gemstone. Anything below a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale shouldn't be able to cause damage to a true Amethyst stone. You can use your fingernail to scratch the surface of an Amethyst and see if you leave a mark.
How do you take care of an amethyst ring? ›Amethyst Care & Cleaning
Though rare amethyst may fade, avoid prolonged exposure to bright light. Amethyst jewelry is best cleaned with warm, sudsy water and a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth. Take all your fine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
The finest amethyst color is a strong reddish purple or purple with no visible color zoning. Dealers prefer strongly saturated reddish purple to dark purple, as long as the stone is not so dark that it reduces brightness. If the color is too dark, an amethyst might look black under dim lighting conditions.
What is a good size stone for an engagement ring? ›Tip #1: Standard & Average Sizes
The 1.0 carat center stone used to be the most desired size chosen for engagement rings, however, more recently we are seeing this shift towards a slightly larger stone, with couples choosing diamonds averaging 1.25 to 1.50 carats.
Yes, amethyst can be worn in the shower. Important to keep in mind, however, is that the crystal should not be exposed to hard or exfoliating soap. Only gentle soap is recommended in terms of exposure in the shower or bath.
Is there fake amethyst? ›But since it's such a popular gemstone, synthetic amethyst has become quite common. In fact, the world of gemstones is rife with lab-created amethyst crystals. Fortunately, there are many ways to discern between natural and lab-created amethyst.
How much does real amethyst cost? ›Prices range between $20 and $30 per carat. Particularly pure pieces of the gemstone are priced at around $40 or $50 per carat.
Why is amethyst so cheap? ›Till the 18th century, amethyst was considered a cardinal gemstone, and was lined up as precious and rare stones. But large reserves being discovered in many parts of the world depleted its value. Still, pure and high grade amethyst is not so common, thus the price depends on the quality and intensity of colour.
Why amethyst is the best? ›Amethyst the symbol of spirituality and contentment. It is one of the most popular choices among the semi precious stones, having been esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty. Amethysts are believed to hold a legendary power to stimulate and soothe the mind and emotions.
Why is my amethyst turning white? ›
If you leave your amethyst in sunlight or under other UV sources for too long, its color will fade. And if you expose amethyst to heat, you'll see the color fade as well.
What God does amethyst represent? ›In Greek mythology, amethyst was rock crystal dyed purple by the tears of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. Ancient Egyptians used the stone as the representative of the zodiac sign of the goat. The goat was considered the enemy of vines and vineyards, and therefore the antidote of wine.
How do you charge amethyst? ›- Placing them under the full moon. ...
- Soak them in moon water. ...
- Bury them in the ground. ...
- Give them a sound bath. ...
- Burn incense or herbs over them. ...
- Immerse them in salt. ...
- Use your breath to charge them. ...
- Connect them to your spirit guides.