Amethyst, with its distinctive purple hues, has been admired for thousands of years and holds a special place as the birthstone of February. Long associated with clarity, protection and calm, amethyst appears frequently in antique and vintage jewellery, particularly rings from the Georgian and Victorian eras. Its beauty, symbolism and durability have ensured its enduring popularity across centuries.
What Is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, coloured by trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation within the stone. Its colour ranges from pale lilac to deep, velvety purple, with richer tones historically considered the most desirable.
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is well suited to ring settings, offering a good balance between beauty and durability. This made it a practical and popular choice for everyday jewellery in earlier periods.
The Ancient History of Amethyst
Amethyst has one of the longest recorded histories of any gemstone. The Ancient Egyptians carved it into amulets, while the Greeks and Romans believed it protected against intoxication — a belief reflected in its name, derived from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunken”.
Throughout the Middle Ages, amethyst was associated with wisdom, piety and spiritual clarity. It was frequently worn by clergy and royalty, cementing its reputation as a stone of both intellect and authority.
Why Is Amethyst February’s Birthstone?
Amethyst became associated with February due to its symbolism of balance, sincerity and calm — qualities thought to be particularly valuable during the late winter months.
Traditionally, amethyst has been linked to:
- Clarity of mind and sound judgement
- Protection from negative influences
- Emotional balance and inner strength
- Sincerity and trust in relationships
These meanings made amethyst a thoughtful and symbolic gift for February birthdays and an appealing gemstone for sentimental jewellery.
Amethyst in Antique and Vintage Rings
Amethyst was especially popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Advances in gemstone cutting during the 18th and 19th centuries allowed jewellers to showcase the stone’s colour and brilliance more effectively.
Common antique amethyst ring styles include:
- Georgian closed-back settings designed to deepen colour
- Victorian solitaires and cluster rings
- Engraved gold bands paired with oval or cushion-cut stones
- Art Nouveau designs highlighting amethyst’s organic beauty
Amethyst’s rich purple colour paired beautifully with yellow gold, making it a striking yet elegant choice for historic rings.
Symbolism and Meaning Today
Today, amethyst continues to be valued not only for its colour but for its symbolism. It is often chosen to mark personal milestones, birthdays or moments of reflection.
For those born in February, amethyst offers a meaningful connection to history, while antique and vintage rings provide an added layer of story and craftsmanship that modern jewellery cannot replicate.
A Timeless February Gemstone
From ancient civilisations to Victorian jewellery boxes, amethyst has remained a constant presence. Its combination of beauty, symbolism and wearability ensures it remains one of the most beloved birthstones.
Explore our collection of antique and vintage rings to discover amethyst pieces that carry centuries of history and meaning.