Amethyst Rings and Jewelry
History
Amethyst is the purple form of quartz. The orange form of quartz is
Citrine. Amethyst
Rings can range from pale lilac to deep purple. It is a popular
choice for jewelry with its beautiful color, affordability, sizes,
and versatility. Sometimes, there are quartz stones that contain orange
and purple, a blending of amethyst and citrine that is called Ametrine.
Amethyst can be found in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Namibia,
Uruguay, and Zambia. Amethyst found in South American usually appear
larger than the African stones, which are more saturated in color,
and the very dark, small stones are from Australia.
Amethysts rank 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale (diamond is the hardest
at 10). The quality amethysts have a clear purple color and are
transparent. Sometimes, the darker stones are heat-treated and the
process is permanent.
Amethysts are birthstones for February and are recommended for
the 4th and 6th wedding anniversaries.
How to Buy
When buying an amethyst, look at the color and the clarity of the
gemstone. A high quality amethyst is colorful, bright, and transparent.
They are available in many shapes and sizes. Amethysts are relatively
hard stones, but always protect them from scratches and hits.
Some questions to ask when purchasing an amethyst are:
- Has the amethyst been treated?
- Is the stone natural or synthetic?
- Are there any noticeable scratches, chips or inclusions?
- Is the color even throughout the stone?
- How good is the color?
As with all purchases, comparison-shop and see how much different
retailers are selling the same item. Research information on amethyst
rings to make sure you get the best value for your purchase.
Care
Clean amethysts with warm, soapy water and a soft brush or an ultrasonic
cleaner. Amethyst
Rings can become paler if it is out in the sun or under heat.
Keep amethyst
jewelry in a fabric-lined box and to keep other pieces from
scratching it.
With these tips, your amethyst should last you for many years.
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