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 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.

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.

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.