Tips for Choosing a Gemstone Engagement Ring
Tip #8- Passionate Purple: If she loves regal purple, consider amethyst, iolite, and purple sapphire.
Amethyst is a popular gemstone, one of the most popular in the US. It is very
affordable and readily available in sizes from 1 to 10 carats. Amethyst can be a
rich royal purple or it can be found with less color saturation for more of a
lavender color. Amethysts from Africa have pink flashes that are visible as the
facets catch the light. Often times, you will find amethyst with checkerboard
faceting on top. This is not something you would normally see with sapphires or
tourmalines for example. Since the gem material is inexpensive, gem cutters can
do more unique things with the shapes and faceting of the stones, which results
in some really outstanding
amethyst engagement rings. Iolite is more
of a bluish purple color, generally saturated in color. It is much harder to
find that amethyst and is most often found in oval or emerald cut shapes. Purple
sapphires come in the most inviting shades of lilac, orchid and plum. The purple
gemstones look amazing in either white or yellow metals. The contrast is
striking in the white metals and due to the saturated colors, they hold their
own in the yellow metals as well. Color change sapphire, a rare and unique type of sapphire, displays both blue
and/or purple depending on the type of lighting. From time to time, MyJewelrySource does offer color change sapphire rings. When we do, the rings are
definitely a one of a kind.
Amethyst: Amethyst is the February
Birthstone and the suggested gift for the sixth wedding anniversary.
Amethyst is mined primarily in Brazil and Zambia. Amethyst rates 6 1/2 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Romans believed amethysts would ward off the intoxicating powers of
Bacchus--the god of wine. Amethyst was also believed to protect soldiers and bring them to victory.In the
Middle Ages, only persons of noble birth were allowed to wear amethyst
because they were so highly prized.
Amethyst care: Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner on
amethyst. Avoid sudden temperature changes, steaming and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or
household chemicals. Your amethyst
jewelry may be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth with plain or soapy water.
Enhancements: Cutting is the most basic enhancement method
used to display
the beauty of a gemstone.
There
are many other methods by which man has demonstrated his ability to draw maximum color, luster, clarity and
brilliance from nature's treasures. Some amethysts are heat treated but the darker colors of
amethyst are rarely enhanced to perfect their color. The treatment is permanent and does not require special
care. You should assume that the amethysts sold at MyJewelrySource are treated unless stated otherwise.