Purple reigns in February with the popular and abundant plummy-color quartz that many call their birthstone
While gem geeks know amethyst as a pretty and affordable purple stone, the eggplant-color quartz was once valued at sums rivaling rubies, according to GIA. That status changed when Brazil’s deposits were discovered, and since then amethyst has continued to delight fans for its majestic colors and easy-to-obtain price points. Amethyst is said to purge evil thoughts, enhance clarity, and even prevent overindulgence of the alcoholic variety. Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs’ scale, and its basketball-player-tall geodes on the Tucson gem-show circuit are epic sights not quickly forgotten.
Hinged Bangle bracelet in silver with 18k gold and 7 ct. checkerboard-cut amethyst, $920; Samuel B.
Pendant necklace in 14k white gold with 12.27 cts. t.w. amethyst and 0.19 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,349; Madison L
Finestrino pendant necklace in 14k yellow gold with a freshwater souffle pearl and 2.5 cts. t.w. amethyst, $1,800; little h
Facets earrings in blackened sterling silver and 18k gold with 21.5 cts. t.w. amethyst and 0.318 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,070; Elizabeth Garvin
Earrings in 18k gold with black rhodium and 30 cts. t.w. amethyst and 0.71 ct. t.w. diamonds, $7,256; Yael Designs
Ring in 14k yellow gold with 32 ct. amethyst and 0.86 ct. t.w. diamonds, $10,390; Lali Jewels
Ring in 18k gold with 30 ct. amethyst and 0.8 ct. t.w. diamonds, $13,700; Carrera y Carrera
Cuff in 18k gold with 11.5 cts. t.w. amethyst and 1.75 cts. t.w. white sapphires, $12,570; Sloane Street (100 percent of proceeds goes to the Alzheimer’s Association)
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