We can all use a little help, encouragement, and inspiration sometimes. Whatever you believe about the healing properties of gemstones, it’s undeniable: Jewelry empowers us. That’s the motivation behind our Gemstone Feature series. By sharing the stories of some of the gemstones gracing our latest Bloom pieces, we celebrate the countless ways jewelry brings positive energy to our lives.

Amethyst is the traditional and modern February birthstone and the gem traditionally associated with the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. This pretty-in-purple gemstone has been beloved for thousands of years, long renowned not only for its beauty but also for its reputation for helping wearers to stay clear-headed, strong, and balanced. Read on to learn about the origins, meaning, and supposed healing properties of Amethyst, and view all of our Amethyst jewelry here. 

What Is Amethyst? 

Amethyst is a purple type of the mineral quartz, getting its color from irradiation, iron impurities, and other trace elements. It can run the gamut from a light springtime lilac to deep royal purple. Nowadays, it’s the most highly valued variety of quartz, used in both high-end and more affordable jewelry. 

Amethyst jewelry has been around for thousands of years, with ancient pieces dating back to 2000 BCE and royal regalia from the Middle Ages bedecked with the jewel. As the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) reports, Amethyst was as expensive as “precious gemstones” Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire and as highly regarded as Diamonds until the 19th century, when massive deposits discovered in Brazil changed the game and brought down pricing. Amethyst can now be found around the world. (Yellow Citrine, the November birthstone, is actually Amethyst that’s been treated with heat!) 

What Is the Meaning of Amethyst? 

GIA explains that the name and meaning of Amethyst comes from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against drunkenness.” Indeed, Amethyst has enjoyed a long association with wine, given its grape-like coloring. Early Greeks linked Amethyst with the god of wine, Bacchus — but interestingly, the idea (according to the American Gem Society) was that Amethyst helped to keep wearers “clear-headed and quick-witted,” warding off Bacchus’ (and the wine’s) intoxicating powers. Apparently, Leonardo da Vinci was a well-known fan, believing that the stone helped to ward off evil thoughts, balance the mind, and improve intelligence. Today’s wearers draw on these historical references, believing the meaning of Amethyst to symbolize inner strength, personal empowerment, and clarity of mind. 

What are the Healing Properties of Amethyst? 

February birthstone Amethyst’s supposed healing properties include: 

• Nurturing mental and spiritual health and clarity, as many believe Amethyst to calm and stimulate the mind, balancing emotions while allowing for increased focus, insight, intuition, and memory recall. Historically, people used to place Amethyst gemstones in their glasses of wine to keep from becoming inebriated. While this is obviously not the safest practice, we appreciate the spirit!
• Promoting self-protection and self-empowerment, thought to protect wearers from all types of harm, keep away negative feelings, boost immunity, and encourage rest and rejuvenation. 
• Increasing inner strength by healing and uplifting both body and soul, alleviating grief and anxiety, supporting better decisions, and inspiring confidence in the path ahead.  

As many people worldwide finish dry January (or their best attempts at it), maybe the supposed healing properties of Amethyst can help them usher in a dry February… or beyond. Who’s to say?

Bloom’s Picks for Amazing Amethyst Jewelry 

Our Amethyst & 14k Gold Filled Filigree Layering Necklace (pictured) is a great choice for bringing Amethyst into everyday. This Bloom customer favorite is lovely on its own or as a layering piece. Amethyst gemstones are hand wrapped to 14k Gold Filled textured filigree chain. Coordinate with our Amethyst & Gold Filigree Bracelet for a picture-perfect set. 

These adorable Amethyst Rondelle Stardust Drop Earrings, which feature Amethyst gemstones accented by your choice of 14k Gold Filled or Sterling Silver hand wrapping and findings, make for a wonderful gift of Amethyst jewelry — or addition to your own jewelry collection!

Add an Amethyst Birthstone Charm to a bracelet or necklace alongside other personalized charms for a customized-to-the-max gift for your favorite February birthday! Just visit our revamped Charm Bar for inspiration to help you pull together just the right utterly charming combination. 

Prefer the look of purple within a rainbow of other colors? Our Rainbow Filigree Layering Necklace, which features Amethyst as violet in Bloom’s delightful rainbow of gemstones (plus a profusion of Turquoise!), is a wonderful way to bring the transcendent beauty of rainbows into your day-to-day. 

Looking for a different birthstone? Bloom has you covered! Check out our entire Birthstone Collection. Every month has one or more birthstones to choose from — and everyone you know has a birth month. How can you possibly go wrong?